Amid rising tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, The Daily Show host Desi Lydic recently took a sharp jab at the US government's trade policies, humorously noting that even Barbie dolls are now forced to "tighten their belts" to make ends meet.
The American Toy Association has raised concerns about the severe impact of the ongoing trade war on the toy industry, as approximately 80% of toys sold in the US are manufactured in China. Among the affected products, iconic Barbie dolls are expected to see price hikes due to increased production costs caused by tariffs.
Mattel, the company behind Barbie, stated that the fluctuating macroeconomic environment and changes in US tariff policies make it difficult to predict consumer spending and sales performance in the US for the remainder of the year. The company hinted that price increases might be necessary to offset rising costs stemming from the tariff situation.
Reports indicate that in mid-April, the price of some Barbie dolls sold in the US had already surged by as much as 42% within a single week.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump acknowledged the impact of tariffs on American families, admitting that children who used to afford 30 toys may now only be able to buy two, with each item costing significantly more than before.
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