-- Malaysia's rubber glove industry is facing rising cost pressure as the US-Iran conflict drives up prices of oil-linked raw materials used in production, the Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday.
The country, which accounts for about 45% of global glove supply, is seeing a widening gap between large and small manufacturers. Major producers such as Top Glove (KLSE:TOPGLOV) and Hartalega (KLSE:HARTA) have been able to raise selling prices to offset higher input costs, while demand remains broadly stable, according to the report.
Industry costs have surged, with key materials like nitrile latex seeing sharp increases due to higher crude-linked input prices. However, smaller players are struggling to absorb the cost pressure, with some already exiting the market amid financial strain and supply disruptions, the Nikkei said.
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