Trump's Tariffs Squeeze Consumers and Toys, Targeting Barbie
Toy manufacturer Barbie faces potential price increases under Trump's proposed tariffs.
Published: May 7, 2025 - 07:00 GMT | Facebook | Twitter | WhatsApp | Share
Get ready to tighten those pockets if you're dreaming of a Barbie for your daughter - or yourself, no judgment here! It seems that her price might be skyrocketing under Trump's tariff plan.
Also Read:- Trump to Rivet Hollywood with 100% Tariff on Foreign Movies
Farewell to Inexpensive Barbie Toys?
Mattel, the brains behind Barbie, is pulling no punches in response to the ongoing tariff war between the US and China. [With pride emoji] In humble agreement with Trump's predictions from last week, Mattel accepted the reality that toys, yep, that includes dear Barbie, will witness a monstrous price hike thanks to the unrelenting trade struggle.
Firstly, the company admitted that US tariffs didn't disturb their profits in Q1 of 2025. But, the wise gurus at Mattel cautiously acknowledged the potential for future losses.
Enter, a new plan: diversification and price increases. Yikes! The current US tariffs are projected to cost Mattel around $270 million in 2025, according to Anthony DiSilvestro, Mattel's CFO. So, bye-bye to those affordable Barbie toys and hello soaring prices!
Fun fact: Nearly 80% of the toys sold in the US are Boo-Yah, guess where they're made? China! [shock emoji] Yup, it's China.
Barbie's New Price Tag
Not surprisingly, the price tag on a Swimsuit Barbie at Target stores has jumped up by almost 43%, standing tall at $14.99. That's according to Telsey Advisory Group, a prolific firm delving into equity research and consulting in the retail and consumer sectors.
Meet Reema Tuqan
Reema Tuqan is a skilled wordsmith and content creator with an adoration for business topics. As a journalist at Al Bawaba, she hammers out Business articles with flair and passion.
- Latest
- Popular
Sign up to get the hottest scoops on celebrity gossip and entertainment news straight to your inbox! Subscribe here
- Trump's tariffs are not just affecting the toy industry, as foreign movies, music, fashion, and even historical artifacts could face a potential price hike due to the ongoing trade tensions, as per recent news.
- In the realm of general news, the escalating tariff war between the US and China has led to increased concerns in various sectors such as entertainment, politics, and finance, with Mattel's Barbie being the latest casualty.
- The skyrocketing prices of Barbie toys are not limited to the corporate world; they will directly impact consumers, making buying their beloved dolls a more expensive endeavor.
- The ongoing trade dispute is not just about business and politics, but also about everyday consumers like you and me, who may soon find their favorite brands and hobbies (like collecting Barbie dolls) becoming more costly.
- As reported by Telsey Advisory Group, the pricing for some popular Barbie items has already increased significantly, pointing towards a broader trend of price hikes in entertainment and consumer goods, all thanks to tariffs and trade wars.
- Despite the initial resilience shown in Q1 of 2025, companies like Mattel, which rely heavily on imported goods such as Barbie toys, may face turbulent times ahead due to the mounting costs of tariffs, affecting not only the business world but also the everyday lives of consumers.
