US toy business applauds tariff delay

The US toy community has applauded the decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to delay tariffs on toys.

Yesterday saw the United States Trade Representative (USTR) put forth the next steps in the process of imposing tariffs on approximately $300 billion of Chinese imports.

Most toys imported from China will not be subject to tariffs until December 15, while other children’s products, like toy jewellery, will be exposed to the 10% tariff increase beginning September 1.

The Toy Association – the not for profit trade association which represents the toy, game and youth entertainment product businesses in the US – called the decision ‘a welcome reprieve’ going into the holiday season.

“A delay in tariffs to December 15 has saved the holiday season for many in the US toy and play community,” said Steve Pasierb, president and ceo of The Toy Association. “We appreciate leaders in the administration listening and we hope through the tariff exclusion process the administration will provide further relief to the toy industry by eliminating all toys and toy-related components from these latest tariff lists.

“While we continue to support the goal of restructuring the US/China trade relationship, tariffs are the wrong approach.”

The Toy Association continues to aggressively advocate against tariffs on toys on Capitol Hill and to key members of the administration.

Steve continued: “With the majority of American toy companies defined as small businesses, any tax on children’s toys will deal a devastating blow to a significant number of smaller employers, as well as impact both the retail community and families.

“We will continue to advocate with the administration for solutions that can address the very real trade, intellectual property and business issues our nation has with China while not placing the burden upon America’s toymakers, retailers and children. Toys are a source of childhood joy and a myriad of developmental benefits, not a tool in a trade war.”