Disposable Nitrile Glove Market Update – July 2021
As a follow-up to our most recent update, dated June 22, 2021, news sources in Asia have just reported that an Enhanced MCO (Movement Control Order) will be enforced in Central Malaysia starting July 3 – July 16. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents in the EMCO areas are not allowed to leave their homes except for one household representative for the purpose of purchasing basic necessities within a radius of 10km. For more details click here.
Apart from essential businesses and workers, this mandate will completely shut down glove factories that operate in the central region of Malaysia. Some of these glove factories include the following: Smart Glove, Top Glove, Brightways, Supermax, Kossan, and Riverstone. It is unknown, at this time, if this EMCO will be lifted as expected in July or extended. This mandate will most likely reduce the supply of nitrile exam and cleanroom gloves in the US within the next two to three months.
Thomas Scientific has secured a large volume of inventory of nitrile examination and cleanroom gloves for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. In addition to gloves, Thomas Scientific has also increased stock levels on our most popular cleanroom consumables, including apparel, face masks, and wipers. To secure upcoming deliveries of these critical products, please reach out to your Thomas Scientific Sales Specialist or visit our website, ThomasSci.com.
Disposable Nitrile Glove Market Update – June 2021
Although glove prices appear to be stabilizing in the US over the past several months, there are current conditions in Asia that may affect the availability of supplies between now and the end of the year. These factors may negatively impact the production of nitrile exam and cleanroom gloves in Malaysia, and increase delays on shipments in the US market.
- US Custom and Border Protection has temporarily prohibited the import of Top Glove products into the US, due to evidence of forced labor allegations. Top Glove is the largest producer of disposable latex gloves in the world. Other manufacturers in Malaysia are also being investigated for the same forced labor allegations. (source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Reuters, The Hill, Free Malaysia Today)
- Movement Control Order (MCO) has recently been enforced in Malaysia due to recent outbreaks in Covid-19 cases. Only essential business are permitted to operate at 40% labor capacities. Limited numbers of vaccinations have been available at this time. As cases drop and more vaccinations are administered, business will be able to increase their workforce. There is a 4-phase plan to increase the deployment of the entire workforce that is expected to be completed by October, 2021. (source: U.S. Embassy in Malaysia, Ministry of Health for Malaysia)
- Container Availability in Malaysia remains to be very limited. Global demand has increased the number of containers departing from China and Malaysia, but limited returns of these containers has created a shortage of available containers for future shipments. Recent Covid-19 outbreaks at the Shenzhen port have also contributed to the reduction of outbound container shipments, increasing transit times to the US. (source: Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, South China Morning Post)
Thomas Scientific has secured a large volume of inventory of nitrile examination and cleanroom gloves for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. In addition to gloves, Thomas Scientific has also increased stock levels on our most popular cleanroom consumables, including apparel, face masks, and wipers. To secure upcoming deliveries of these critical products, please reach out to your Thomas Scientific Sales Specialist or visit our website, ThomasSci.com.