The 28-year-old Italian American defendant is prepared to accept responsibility in the federal case over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO...
Read More
International-News
US duties on China hit Mattel: Barbies more expensive and less available
Toy giant suspends annual forecast: prices rise and production for the US falls
Barbie dolls become less affordable for American girls. This is one of the most visible effects of the duties imposed by the US against China, which are putting a strain on the entire toy industry and in particular on Mattel, the children’s entertainment giant. The Californian company announced that it has suspended its financial forecasts for 2025 and confirmed a price increase on some products to cope with the soaring customs costs.
Currently, about 20 per cent of Mattel’s US sales come from products made in China, including the famous Barbie dolls. Global economic instability and uncertainty over trade tariffs, explained CEO Ynon Kreiz, are making it difficult to gauge the buying behaviour of US consumers, especially ahead of the crucial Christmas season.
China accounts for 40 per cent of Mattel’s global production, but the group is accelerating production decentralisation to reduce dependence on Beijing. Some toys, such as Uno cards, are now produced in India, while some Chinese supplies are being directed to markets other than the US. Mattel also imports from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand: countries that, although affected by new tariffs announced in early April by the Trump administration, currently benefit from a 90-day temporary suspension.
The entire US toy industry is watching the protectionist measures with growing alarm. According to the Toy Association, about 80 per cent of toys sold in the US come from China. If the trade war continues, consumer price increases could become structural, affecting both Christmas sales and the variety of supply available in shops.
THE LATEST NEWS
Le Conseil constitutionnel rejette l’interdiction des réseaux sociaux aux moins de 15 ans
14 Agosto 2026
Les Sages jugent disproportionnée l’atteinte portée à la liberté d’expression des moins de 15 ans. Emmanuel Macron demande au gouvernement...
Read More
USS Abraham Lincoln crew faces exhaustion and shortages
12 Agosto 2026
Families of sailors and Marines aboard the carrier report punishing shifts, low morale, food shortages and deteriorating living conditions during...
Read More
Clacton votes with 34 candidates as Farage seeks a new mandate
12 Agosto 2026
The Essex by-election features a record field, a ballot paper nearly one meter long and the absence of Labour, Conservatives,...
Read More
Robert Gilman released by Russia after four years in prison
11 Agosto 2026
The former U.S. Marine, detained in Russia since 2022, was transferred to a hospital after a serious deterioration in his...
Read More
Trump’s childhood vaccine order draws sharp scientific criticism
11 Agosto 2026
Experts and epidemiologists challenge the scientific basis of the new U.S. policy, warning that separate doses could complicate vaccination and...
Read More
(Photo: © AndKronos)
