Overview
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified that the administration is considering exempting baby products like car seats, strollers, and cribs from tariffs of up to 145%.
- President Trump expressed openness to reviewing exemptions but emphasized maintaining a simple tariff policy without excessive carve-outs.
- Over 70% of baby products sold in the U.S., including 97% of strollers and 87% of car seats, are manufactured in China, making the industry highly vulnerable to tariff impacts.
- Manufacturers have raised prices on baby gear by 20–30% and paused shipments from China, leading to warnings of potential shortages as inventories dwindle.
- Lawmakers and industry groups are urging relief, citing the financial strain on families, with economists projecting higher costs and supply disruptions in the coming months.