Hartalega sees gradual glove demand recovery despite market challenges

Malaysian glove maker Hartalega Holdings reported a gradual recovery in demand as customer inventories normalise, though excess capacity, intense competition, and geopolitical uncertainties continue to challenge the operating environment. Chief executive officer Kuan Mun Leong said evolving trade policies could create opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers, but the industry remains exposed to volatility in raw material and logistics costs. He noted long-term fundamentals are supported by growing healthcare needs and global hygiene awareness. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, Hartalega's profit after tax rose 38% to RM102 million, with first-quarter profit surging to RM70 million from RM12 million a year earlier. The company maintains annual production capacity of about 37 billion gloves at its Sepang complex.