Trade policy is evolving quickly. Check here daily for curated updates affecting the toy and hobby industry and learn how these developments impact small businesses, families, educators, and communities across America.

June 20, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: US talks with Canada, EU take focus as deadlines loom

President Trump this week firmed up a trade deal with the United Kingdom, and its European Union neighbors are apparently pushing for a similarly styled deal despite stalled progress in recent weeks.

Source: Yahoo Finance

June 20, 2025

Toy Industry’s Legal Fight Over Trump Tariffs Reaches Supreme Court

Learning Resources and hand2mind urge for a resolution.

Source: Toybook

June 19, 2025

The truth about tariffs: The Christmas fairy doesn't pay tariffs. You do. They're the taxes you don’t see when you pay them

Source: The South Dakota Standard

June 18, 2025

Toy companies ask Supreme Court to swiftly take up challenge to Trump's tariffs

A pair of Illinois-based companies that sell educational toys and products asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to swiftly take up their challenge to President Trump's sweeping tariffs, arguing that the "massive impact" on businesses and consumers warrants its immediate intervention.

Source: CNBC News

June 17, 2025

US, Vietnam near trade framework as tariff deadline approaches

The US and Vietnam are closing in on a framework trade agreement, despite ongoing concerns about Chinese goods being rerouted through the Southeast Asian nation to avoid tariffs, according to people familiar with the talks.

Source: Bloomberg

June 16, 2025

Independent toy shop to close because it can’t keep up with Trump’s tariffs: ‘It’s just impossible’

Portland’s Merci Milo has been open in the city since 2021 but will close its doors at the end of the month

Source: Independent

June 13, 2025

Understanding Section 301 and 232 Tariffs

With the rising importance of trade compliance programs, it is important to start with the law. 

Source: JDSupra

June 11, 2025

Trump Tariffs Can Stay in Effect Longer, Appeals Court Says

Donald Trump can continue to enforce his global tariffs for now, a federal appeals court held in a win for the president on one of his signature economic policies.

Source: Bloomberg

June 11, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: US-China trade framework set, now awaits Trump and Xi nod

The US and China agreed to a framework and implementation plan to ease trade tensions on Tuesday.

Source: Yahoo Finance

June 11, 2025

U.S.-China trade talks end with plan for Trump and Xi to approve

The US Commerce Secretary said the deal should result in some restrictions being resolved.

Source: BBC News

June 10, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: US-China trade talks resume on Tuesday after signs of progress

Trade talks between the US and China resumed on Tuesday after six hours of discussions between top officials kicked off in London on Monday.

Source: Yahoo News

June 9, 2025

US and Chinese officials meet in London for pivotal trade talks

Top U.S. and Chinese officials were meeting in London on Monday to try to defuse a high-stakes trade dispute.

Source: Reuters

June 9, 2025

GT Voice: Dilemma of US toy makers testament to tariff uncertainties

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an article on Saturday, saying that the US additional tariffs imposed on Chinese imports are hurting US toy makers, who face higher costs and reduced assortment.

Source: Global Times

June 9, 2025

Trump announces U.S.-China trade talks in London next week

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and two other Trump administration officials will meet with their Chinese counterparts in London on Monday for renewed trade talks, President Donald Trump said.

Source: CNBC

June 6, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: Trump, Xi Jinping speak at last as US and China lean on key exports in trade fight

President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke on Thursday, and both countries pledged to restart tariff and trade talks in the coming days.

Source: Yahoo News

June 5, 2025

Raising the Bar: Tariffs Hit the Toy Aisle

Will the holidays be canceled?

Source: Toybook

June 4, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: Trump says China's Xi is 'extremely hard to make a deal with'

President Donald Trump has said it's "extremely hard" to reach a deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, denting hopes for a call between the two leaders as trade talks stall.

Source: Yahoo News

June 2, 2025

Tariff Takedown? Courts Challenge White House Trade Moves

In the latest development, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued an administrative stay of the decision from U.S.  Court of International Trade.

Source: Clyde & Co.

June 1, 2025

122, 232, 301, 338: The numbers key to Trump’s tariff revival

No matter the outcome of a major legal case on President Donald Trump’s tariffs, his import taxes are likely here to stay — in one form or another.

Source: CNN

May 31, 2025

From the Editor: The Tariff-ying Uncertainty of the Toy Business

A week of flip-flopping throws another wrench into an industry already fighting for survival.

Source: Toybook

May 30, 2025

Trump's tariffs to remain in effect after appeals court grants stay

A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the most sweeping of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Thursday, a day after a U.S. trade court ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing the duties and ordered an immediate block on them.

Source: Reuters

May 30, 2025

Second federal court blocks Trump tariffs, this time for Illinois toy importers

A federal judge blocked Trump's tariffs for a pair of Illinois toy importers, the second ruling against the tariffs in as many days.

Source: USA Today

May 29, 2025

Tariff Ruling Is a Setback for Trump but Doesn’t End Trade War

Trade experts say Trump won’t abandon levies after court decision sows confusion.

Source: WSJ

May 29, 2025

US court blocks most Trump tariffs, says president exceeded his authority

A U.S. trade court blocked most of President Donald Trump's tariffs in a sweeping ruling on Wednesday that found the president overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from U.S. trading partners.

Source: Reuters

May 29, 2025

Four tools at the Trump administration’s disposal after a U.S. court blocks tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump could still find a workaround after suffering a major blow to a core part of his economic agenda.

Source: CNBC

May 29, 2025

Federal court says Trump doesn't have the power to impose tariffs unilaterally

The Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal challenging the decision.

Source: ABC News

May 27, 2025

EU sees 'new impetus' in US trade talks, businesses worry over uncertainty

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to drop his threat to impose 50% tariffs on European Union imports from next month gave 'new impetus' to trade talks, the EU said on Monday, as global stock markets climbed and the euro rallied.

Source: Reuters

May 27, 2025

Super7 Issues Update About Impact of Tariffs and Company Layoffs

The toy industry is changing all around us including layoffs and closures across the board including sad layoffs for Super7.

Source: Bleeding Cool

May 23, 2025

Tariffs live updates: Trump warns EU to cut tariffs or face more duties

The US is pressuring the EU to cut tariffs on American goods, as per a report in the FT on Friday. Talks have stalled, with Washington warning of more duties if Brussels doesn't make concessions.

Source: Yahoo Finance

May 23, 2025

Trade Update: Navigating Trump Administration Tariffs – May 2025 Developments

Since the April 9, 2025 pause on the application of the Trump administration’s “reciprocal” tariffs, which we included in our most recent update, several additional developments have occurred which materially impact the implementation and scope of both IEEPA-based and Section 232-based tariff regimes.

Source: Womble Bond Dickson

May 22, 2025

Walmart says expect price hikes due to tariffs. What will get more expensive and when?

Shoppers at Walmart, the world’s largest retailer known for being budget-friendly, may soon start to see higher prices on the shelves as the company reacts to President Donald Trump's evolving trade policy. 

Source: USA Today

May 21, 2025

Majority of US companies say they have to raise prices due to Trump tariffs

Over half (54%) of companies surveyed by insurer Allianz say they will have to raise prices to accommodate cost of tariffs.

Source: The Guardian

May 21, 2025

President Trump Announces Preliminary Trade Agreements with U.K., China for Tariff Reductions

The Trump Administration recently reached two preliminary agreements on tariff reductions with the United Kingdom and China.

Source: HK Law

May 20, 2025

Tariffs trigger price hikes: Shoes, clothing and toys to get more expensive this summer

Consumers can expect big price spikes to hit clothing and shoes this year, according to the latest forecast from the Budget Lab at Yale, a non-partisan research center.

Source: USA Today

May 19, 2025

Pop Culture Perseverance: Funko Keeps Charging Forward

From Wall Street worries to Hollywood hype, the pop culture powerhouse hits reset with a clear-eyed focus on fans and what works.

Source: Toybook

May 19, 2025

Toy Association says toymakers at risk in tariff fight

The trade group The Toy Association Inc. says a survey of its members reveals worries that Christmas 2025 is at risk and companies are likely to go out of business.

Source: Plasticnews

May 15, 2025

United States and China Agree to Partially De-escalate April Tariffs

The United States and China issued a joint statement in Geneva outlining an agreement to de-escalate from the latest rounds of tariff increases

Source: Whitecase

May 14, 2025

U.S. and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Reduction

After constructive negotiations held over the weekend, the U.S. and China agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs as part of a 90-day pause, effective May 14, 2025. The executive order and fact sheet outline the key points under this deal.

Source: Akerman

May 9, 2025

As trade talks begin, Chinese exporters prepare to get goods moving to US again

Shipping had stopped due to tariffs but with talks beginning companies are looking to begin again to fill empty shelves.

Source: Reuters

May 9, 2025

China’s exports to U.S. plunge, in sign of bite from Trump tariffs

The drop in U.S.-bound shipments was offset by a surge in Chinese goods to Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.

Source: WSJ

May 9, 2025

Trump signals he will cut China tariffs

US president dials down rhetoric ahead of crunch talks with nation at weekend

Source: Telegraph ($)

May 8, 2025

Trump trade tariffs slump widens to 'nearly all U.S. exports,' supply chain data shows

What began as a rapid drop in U.S. imports as shippers cut orders from manufacturing partners around the world has now extended into a nationwide export slump.

Source: CNBC

May 8, 2025

Trump says American kids will be fine with fewer dolls, but the toy industry is bracing for a 'nuclear bomb'

Source: Business Insider ($)

May 7, 2025

Tariffs threaten model railroading as industry group seeks relief

Specialty retailers most at risk as Hobby Industry Coalition launches effort

Source: Freightwaves

May 6, 2025

Cold play: Toy industry faces ‘devastating’ impact from tariffs

Tariffs of 145% put big pressure on small companies.

Source: Retaildive

May 5, 2025

Warren Buffett Slams U.S. Trade Policy Shift, Warns of Economic Fallout

At the Annual Shareholders Meeting 2025, Warren Buffett raised sharp concerns about America's shifting trade stance during Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE:BRK.B) annual shareholder meeting held Saturday in the U.S., cautioning that using trade as a weapon could backfire economically and politically.

Source: Yahoo

May 5, 2025

US toymakers scramble to adjust to Trump’s China tariffs

Companies like Spin Master and Jakks Pacific move production out of China.

Source: Moneyweb

May 2, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: China says 'door is open' to trade talks with the US

China has said it's evaluating approaches from US officials to start negotiations about tariffs, a potential deescalation in the trade war that has raised hopes formal trade talks could start soon.

Source: Yahoo Finance

May 2, 2025

Ecommerce Trends: What tariffs are doing to toys ahead of the 2025 holiday season

With imports from China facing 145% tariffs, leading online toys retailers such as GameStop and Disney have voiced concern.

Source: DigitalEcommerce360

April 30, 2025

China’s Export Orders Plunge, Hit by Trump’s Trade War

Steep U.S. tariffs are starting to squeeze Chinese economy

Source: WSJ

April 26, 2025

The US-China Trade War Could Mean 'Empty Shelves' Soon, Apollo Says

American shop shelves, aisles and racks could be empty in a few weeks as imports slow, according to Apollo Global Management's analysis of shipping data.

Source: Investopedia

April 26, 2025

Hasbro forecasts as much as $300 million impact if China tariffs don't come down

If President Donald Trump's 145% levy against imports from China holds, Hasbro estimates it could see as much as a $300 million hit to its bottom line.

Source: CNBC

April 26, 2025

China Quietly Waives Some US Tariffs, Importers Say

Chinese importers noted a sudden and unannounced reduction to zero of tariffs on U.S. imports of certain semiconductor and integrated circuit products, a sign that Beijing is feeling more pressure from President Donald Trump's trade war than it acknowledges.

Source: Newsweek

April 25, 2025

Trump tariffs live updates: Trump sees deals within weeks, China reportedly eases chip levies

US and China tariff tensions continue to dominate the focus as Wall Street has pinned its hopes on signs of a thaw.

Source: Yahoo News

April 24, 2025

‘It screws with all of us.’ Tacoma small businesses react to tariff uncertainty

Sen. Murray visits Tacoma’s Brown & Haley Almond Roca factory to hear from business leaders affected by Trump’s tariffs.

Source: The News Tribune

April 23, 2025

East Tennessee model train company fears industry shutdown amid tariff war

The Trump administration’s tariffs on China are affecting the hobby industry, including one small business in East Tennessee.

Source: Wate.com

April 22, 2025

'Stop the Nonsense' With Tariffs, Says This New York Manufacturing CEO

Scenes from a trade war.

Source: Reason.com

April 22, 2025

Layering import duties in a rapidly changing environment

The US government has released three new tariff programs and initiated four more investigations since Jan. 20, 2025, some of which overlap to create additional burden, while others present a web of exemptions. Additionally, the tariff programs from the first Trump administration are still in effect, alongside the Section 301 expansion issued by the Biden administration.

Source: S&P Global

April 21, 2025

US toy retailers fear ‘really difficult Christmas’ as China tariffs bite

After a 145 per cent tariff shock, US toy executives are warning of a Christmas crisis and pleading for exemptions.

Source: Agence France-Presse

The information shared by the Hobby Industry Coalition is intended solely to inform members, stakeholders, and the broader industry about trade developments, policy changes, and regulatory matters. Nothing on this website or in Coalition communications should be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified legal counsel before acting on any information provided. The Coalition is not a law firm and does not offer legal representation.

The Hobby Industry Coalition supports both advocacy and educational initiatives that advance understanding of the hobby industry's contributions to culture, community and learning. Some of these initiatives are non-advocacy in nature and developed in partnership with 501(c)(3) organizations. Where funding may be provided by charitable organizations, it is restricted to non-lobbying purposes and applied solely to programs consistent with those organizations' exempt purposes.