Overview

• Overall toy sales fell 5.2% year-on-year for Día del Niño despite extensive holiday promotions.
• Online purchases grew by about 30% but accounted for only 24% of total transactions, leaving brick-and-mortar stores with the majority share.
• Toy imports jumped roughly 114% in volume and 84% in value through July, creating overstock that pressured domestic manufacturers operating at about 50% capacity.
• Pediatricians and industry experts warned that low-cost imports under US$3 per kilo often lack the mandatory black 'S' safety mark, exposing children to choking hazards, toxic materials and fire risks.
• The Cámara Argentina de la Industria del Juguete launched the Observatorio Argentino de Juguetes and a 'Juguete Seguro' certification system, and plans to report importers presenting false documentation.