Barbie Doll Suffers Consequences in Trump's Trade War
Rewritten Article:
Toys are getting pricier, according to a report by Politico.
Mattel, theheavyweight in toy manufacturing and home to the beloved Barbie, is hiking prices in the US. The company made the announcement in a formal press release and also ditched any financial projections for 2025 because of "evolving US customs policy" supposedly making it tricky to forecast consumer spending habits.
Mattel, responsible for around 40% of China's toy production, has mentioned plans to relocate some production out of China as an effort to broaden its supply chain and handle the tariff upheaval. It also hinted at implementing pricing adjustments in the US. In a recent survey of 400 US toy manufacturers by the Toy Association, almost half of respondents believe Trump's tariffs might push them into bankruptcy.
Moreover, over 70 US footwear brands, including Adidas, Puma, Nike, Vans, and Crocs, have urged Donald Trump to carve out an exemption for the industry from tariff measures.
The current standing regarding tariff exemption pleas for the toy and footwear industries in the US remains unclear from available search findings. On the other hand, there are general updates regarding tariff exemptions and increases:
- Basic Exemptions and Tariffs: As of April 2025, specific tariff suspensions and exemptions have cropped up. For instance, certain pharmaceuticals and electronics received temporary exemptions from tariffs, alongside refined and crude mineral products[4]. However, the existing state of exemptions specifically for toys or footwear isn't detailed.
- Procedures and Updates: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will release procedures for tariff refunds related to Executive Order 14289 by May 16, 2025[1]. Additionally, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) offers inclusion requests for derivative aluminum and steel articles under Section 232 tariffs during select submission cycles[1]. These updates apply to specific sectors, but they don't directly touch on the toy and footwear industries.
- Tariff Policies: The US has observed a considerable hike in its average effective tariff rate in 2025, indicating broader trade policy shifts[2][4]. As these policies impact various industries, specifics about the toy and footwear sectors are not disclosed in the search results.
For accurate insights into the current status of tariff exemption requests for the toy and footwear industries, it is advisable to consult industry-specific resources or reach out to relevant government agencies or trade organizations for clarification.
- I find it concerning that Mattel, the toy manufacturer known for Barbie, has announced price hikes in the US due to uncertainties in the evolving US customs policy and tariffs.
- Apart from Mattel, Adidas and other 70 US footwear brands have urged Donald Trump for an exemption from tariff measures, fearing potential bankruptcy.
- Unfortunately, the current standing regarding tariff exemption pleas for the toy and footwear industries in the US remains unclear, so it's essential to consult industry-specific resources for accurate insights.
- In general, the US has observed an increase in average effective tariff rates in 2025, potentially affecting a wide range of industries, including business sectors like finance, but specifics about the toy and footwear sectors remain undisclosed.
- As a result of these tariffs and their impact on companies like Mattel and the footwear brands, General-news and politics topics now include discussions about tariff adjustments and their implications on business strategies.
