Toymakers brace for Trump tariffs: 'It's killing our mojo'

Toymakers across the United States are currently grappling with the repercussions of the Trump tariffs, an economic measure that has left the industry stunned and scrambling to adapt. These tariffs, imposed on a wide array of imported goods, have particularly affected the toy industry, where the majority of products are manufactured overseas, primarily in China. The result has been a wave of uncertainty and apprehension about the future, with many toymakers warning of inevitable price hikes for consumers. For decades, the global toy industry has relied on a delicate balance of production and distribution that spans continents. China, with its lower manufacturing costs and well-established supply chains, has been a vital hub for the production of toys. However, the recent imposition of tariffs has threatened this longstanding system, introducing significant financial strain on toymakers. These companies are now facing tough choices: absorb the increased costs and suffer reduced profits, or pass these costs onto consumers in the form of higher prices. This situation is particularly dire for smaller toymakers, who operate on thinner margins and have less flexibility to negotiate better prices with factories. For these businesses, the tariffs are more than just an economic hurdle; they're a threat to their survival. "It's killing our mojo," said one small business owner, reflecting a sentiment felt widely across the industry. The joy and creativity that are at the heart of toymaking are being overshadowed by financial stress and anxiety. As the toy industry heads into critical selling periods, including the all-important holiday season,