Toy Association Continues to Aggressively Fight Tariffs on Behalf of Toy Community
September 10, 2018 | In its ongoing fight against toy tariffs, The Toy Association recently submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opposing the most recently proposed $200 billion list of Chinese imports, which would have a significant impact on U.S. toy companies, U.S. toy jobs, and U.S. consumers.
The list includes several items that Toy Association members have identified as being impactful to their businesses, including products such as children’s dress up hats, bags to be used in toy products assembled in the U.S., components for toys, children’s furniture, baby gear products, packaging, art supplies, books, magnets, and more. Although toys have largely not been included in the tariff lists issued to date, many U.S. companies have been impacted by the tariffs that are currently in place. The impact is particularly devastating for small companies.
The ongoing trade dispute with China has also resulted in significant uncertainties for toy companies as they make business decisions to adjust for the upcoming holiday season and future toy sales. As recently as Friday, President Trump told the press he was ready to go with an additional $267 billion list of imports from China on short notice should China retaliate. This list would cover the rest of the products imported from China, including toys.
“The Toy Association remains deeply concerned about the negative impact of toy tariffs on American families, quality jobs in U.S. toy and children’s product companies, and our nation’s retail community,” stated Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “The most recent proposed list of goods subject to tariffs would damage consumer spending during the vital holiday shopping season as well as toy companies of all sizes – particularly small businesses; amount to nothing more than a tax on American families and their children; and lead to projected losses of tens of thousands of U.S. jobs. Trade wars are the wrong approach.”
The Toy Association will remain active on this issue by continuing to meet with congressional offices, submitting comments to the USTR and White House as necessary, staying abreast of the potential impact of tariffs on member companies, and joining forces with multi-industry stakeholders to strongly oppose tariffs. Toy Association members are urged to contact their local congressman and senators to inform them of the harmful impact of tariffs on their companies. Contact Rebecca Mond, vice president of federal government affairs, for assistance in getting in touch with congressional representatives.