Tariffs Update: Toy Association’s Tariffs Fight Continues as USTR Hearings Begin

June 18, 2019 | As the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Special 301 Committee held its first day of hearings on Monday regarding proposed tariffs on approximately $300 billion worth of Chinese products, The Toy Association continued its aggressive advocacy campaign against tariffs on toys. Though The Toy Association is not scheduled to testify until June 24, Rebecca Mond, vice president of federal government affairs, was at USTR’s offices on Monday to raise awareness about the negative impact tariffs would have on the toy industry.

Representing the toy industry as part of the Tariffs Hurt the Heartland coalition, Mond took part in interviews with FOX News and The New York Times, among others, to speak about the harmful effects of tariffs if placed on toys. Days earlier, a letter went to President Trump signed by more than 660 companies and trade associations, including The Toy Association and dozens of toy companies, urging the President to end China tariffs. The Toy Association remains an active leader in the Tariffs Hurt the Heartland coalition, the group spearheading the letter.

“The fight continues against these detrimental tariffs,” Mond said. “The Association and our members continue to raise awareness in DC and in the media in an effort to inform the administration that these tariffs threaten thousands of U.S. jobs supported by the toy industry – which should not be collateral damage as a result of negotiations that have nothing to do with toys.”

Toy companies are encouraged to continue to weigh in with their members of congress through The Toy Association’s grassroots letter and to share the #donttaxtoys message on social media. Members with information, questions, or comments about The Toy Association’s fight against tariffs are encouraged to contact Rebecca Mond. As this issue unfolds, members and the larger toy community will be kept apprised of developments.