Overview
- With two weeks to Christmas, retailers describe 2025 as one of the worst years for sales, reporting very weak foot traffic and spending.
- From January to October 2025, toy imports reached US$91.3 million and 17.5 million kilos, up 59.5% in value and 94% in volume year over year, with China supplying about 86% of value and 94% of volume.
- The number of importers jumped from 199 to 530 in a year, and 52% of imported volume cost under US$3 per kilo, which the CAIJ calls an unprecedented avalanche of low‑priced goods.
- Store closures were recorded in Escobar, Quilmes and Trelew, and the chamber warns that liquidation to recover cash is distorting prices and putting producers, importers and shops at risk.
- The CAIJ urges stronger border controls, mandatory conformity marking with QR traceability on online listings, and stricter oversight of low‑value consignments and international shopping channels.