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U.S. Toy Industry Faces Crisis as Tariffs Freeze Supply Chain and Threaten Christmas Shortages

Steep 145% tariffs on Chinese imports have paralyzed small and mid-sized manufacturers, with widespread order cancellations and insolvencies looming ahead of the holiday season.

Care Bears, from Basic Fun!, are displayed at the Toy Fair, in New York's Javits Center, Monday, March 3, 2025.
Workers check Grinch toys for export at a factory in Suixi county in central China's Anhui province.
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Overview

  • Nearly 80% of U.S. toys are produced in China, but 145% tariffs have halted production, leaving the supply chain frozen and threatening widespread toy shortages for Christmas 2025.
  • A Toy Association survey found 80% of mid-sized and 64% of small toy companies are canceling orders, with nearly half warning they could go out of business within months.
  • Major companies like Hasbro are mitigating impacts by shifting production, reporting strong Q1 earnings and maintaining their 2025 guidance despite the crisis.
  • White House officials defend the tariffs, with Stephen Miller claiming Americans will pay more for 'better-made' domestic products, while President Trump downplays concerns, suggesting children will have fewer toys at higher prices.
  • Industry leaders warn that without immediate action, double-digit price increases and empty toy aisles are likely, leaving holiday retailers and consumers scrambling.