The new tariffs haven’t gone into effect yet, but the Toy Association is deeply concerned. They argue that these tariffs will harm essential goods for kids, including baby food, diapers, and safety products. This independent, nonprofit organization is the voice of the U.S. toy industry. Most importantly, it underscores the urgency for families to have affordable access to essential goods like groceries. As these tariffs go into effect, American families will be left to shoulder the growing costs of a wide range of vital goods.
Recent tariffs introduced during the Trump administration have sparked controversy, particularly as baby formula and diapers do not appear exempt. This comes after other temporary tariff lifts on infant formula. This past year, and most relevantly in July 2022, Congress passed the Formula Act to resolve a nationwide baby formula shortage. As the situation evolves, legislators are pushing for exemptions to shield households from escalating expenses.
Legislative Response to Tariffs
As tariff talks continue to rage, one important group of Democratic lawmakers just took the tarred and feathered cake. Minnesota House Representative Kelly Morrison is the leading voice in seeking these exclusions on tariffs that affect children’s products. For their program, high chairs, cribs and car seats have all been designated as “core items.” These requirements should be free from getting taxed on top of their already high costs. Evidence-based interventions Car seats, which are prescribed nationwide in all 50 states, are a key intervention to protect children.
Lisa Trofe, Executive Director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, has voiced strong concerns regarding how tariffs will affect product categories that safety experts agree are vital for protecting children. “Tariffs, particularly those on Chinese imports, will negatively impact product categories like car seats and cribs that safety experts unanimously agree are critical to keeping babies and young children safe,” Trofe stated.
The continuing discussion between legislators and sector representatives highlights the need to act on these harmful tariffs. Manufacturers and advocates are urging action on exclusions from these tariffs for critical child safety products like car seats and cribs.
Economic Impact on Families
Leading economists warn Americans to expect dramatic price hikes on dozens of everyday items. The Budget Lab at Yale University has done a bold calculation. They estimate the new tariffs implemented on April 2 alone might increase U.S. households’ costs by an additional $3,800 this year. This jaw-dropping number should cause all of us alarm. They are placing additional financial burdens on families that are already struggling economically as a result of the pandemic.
Feler, an economist analyzing the broader implications of the tariffs, stated, “Since we import about $3 trillion worth of goods, if we are taxed at an effective rate at about 30% on these goods… American households and American businesses are going to pay an extra $1 trillion per year.” He further emphasized the individual burden: “That’s about $7,700 per household in addition that we are paying for imported goods.”
The Consumer Brands Association has weighed in, noting that increased costs will inevitably affect food and consumer packaged goods. In a March letter to the Trump administration, the association highlighted the potential repercussions of these tariffs on household budgets.
Industry Perspectives
The Toy Association strongly believes that toys—so important to childhood development—should be available to every family, even in the face of these mounting costs. Kathrin Belliveau from the association remarked, “Toys are essential products for childhood development and early education, and our industry works tirelessly to ensure these products remain safe and accessible.” She expressed a desire for cooperation across borders: “Working with toy associations around the world, we are reaffirming our aspiration for toys to remain tariff-free globally.”
Thanks to continual advocacy by industry leaders, real bipartisan solutions are getting American families much-needed relief from the effects of these harmful tariffs. The urgent demand for safe and affordable children’s products couldn’t be more apparent, as parents try to make ends meet during record inflation and a looming recession.
