Try GOLD - Free
How Donald Trump Might Steal Christmas
The Straits Times
|April 26, 2025
Toymakers are being walloped by tariffs.
-
Times are bleak in Toyland. So bleak that Bratz dolls' flowing locks are at risk.
"There is no American factory anywhere that can make hair for dolls," fumes Mr Isaac Larian, boss of MGA Entertainment, the Los Angeles company that makes the fashion figurines. "What am I supposed to do? Sell bald dolls?"
The killjoy behind all the gloom? Mr Donald Trump.
The President's tariffs are proving particularly burdensome for toymakers. Around 80 percent of toys sold in America are made in China, the main target in Mr Trump's trade war. Levies of 145 percent on Chinese goods are clobbering an industry specialized in churning out cheap delights for children, often at low margins.
Parents may be willing to spend US$15 (S$20) on a Care Bear (cut, sewn and filled in China), even if it is played with only once. At US$36, though, they may tell sellers to get stuffed.
More than Monopoly money is at stake. Toy sales in America are worth about US$30 billion a year, according to Swiss bank UBS.
This story is from the April 26, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Philippine death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi tops 100
The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the central Philippines climbed past 100 on Nov 5 as the devastating impact on Cebu province became clearer after the worst flooding in recent memory.
2 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Parliament passes online harms Bill after more than 8 hours of debate
New agency will tackle 13 types of online harms; WP amendments voted down
4 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
US govt shutdown reaches 36 days, longest on record
Economic pain deepens as stalemate over healthcare and spending continues
4 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Aeroline coach service's suspension exposes cracks in KL transport policy
Ban on express bus pickups and drop-offs in city's downtown areas draws criticism
3 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Schools * Consider implementing a 'right to disconnect' for teachers
I refer to the article “Long hours, huge stress and VIPs (very involved parents). So what keeps a teacher in S’pore going?”, Oct 22.
1 min
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Zohran Mamdani's New York win challenges both Trump and Democrats
The first city of finance has a committed socialist at the helm of city affairs.
6 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
PEAKING RYBAKINA REMAINS PERFECT
Kazakh gaining confidence with every win as she makes it 3 out of 3 at WTA Finals
3 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Phishing for trouble: Physical bank token is no silver bullet
The latest effort to counter phishing could rattle less tech-savvy customers. It also needs a digital ecosystem to work.
6 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Kenneth Tiong apologises to Chee Hong Tat on ‘stupid question’ comment in House
Workers’ Party MP Kenneth Tiong apologised to National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on Nov 5 for calling his question “stupid” in Parliament.
2 mins
November 06, 2025
The Straits Times
Global financial stability risks elevated despite resilience: MAS
Singapore companies, households and banks have the financial strength to weather shocks to incomes and financing costs, but they have to remain vigilant given the highly uncertain global environment.
2 mins
November 06, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size