KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue exporting rubber gloves to the United States (US) despite the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on Malaysian imports.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia's exports of rubber and rubber-based products totalled RM37 billion last year, with the rubber glove sector accounting for about RM15 billion.

"We will continue supply to the US, even with the tariff," he told reporters at the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Silver Jubilee celebration here today.

The minister also said efforts to diversify export markets for local glove products are ongoing.

He added it is now mandatory that rubber gloves exported from Malaysia are made locally.

"We have to make sure that all exports of rubber gloves are Malaysian products. That was what I told the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), we will make it mandatory," he said.

Last Friday, the ministry, through the MRB, strengthened regulatory oversight of the rubber glove sector in response to evolving global trade dynamics.

The ministry said that in line with the sector's significant contribution to the national economy, the MRB has implemented several strategic initiatives to tighten industry regulation and address current global trade challenges.

These initiatives include tightening licensing requirements for the export of rubber gloves under the Malaysian Rubber Board (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014.

Meanwhile, MRC chief executive officer Muhammad Eizaaz Muhammad Redzuan said the council would strengthen efforts in research and development, as well as certification initiatives, to ensure Malaysian rubber products remain competitive in pricing and quality.

"We will also ensure that the local rubber products meet the global sustainability requirements," he said.

He added that the council is also committed to providing more opportunities for small and medium enterprises, widening market access, and enhancing the use of new technology among industry players.