Barbie dolls are set to become more expensive due to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Trump’s imposition of tariffs on toys made in China, Mattel, the creator of Barbie, announced it will increase prices in the U.S., as stated in a press release on Monday. Additionally, Mattel has withdrawn its financial forecasts for 2025, attributing this decision to the unpredictable nature of the U.S. tariff situation, which complicates consumer spending predictions. Approximately 40 percent of Mattel’s toys are manufactured in China, now subject to 145 percent tariffs by the Trump administration, citing unfair trade practices by Beijing. To mitigate the impact, Mattel plans to shift some production out of China and adjust pricing where necessary in its U.S. operations. Trump has dismissed concerns about rising costs, suggesting children might simply have fewer dolls at slightly higher prices. A recent survey by the Toy Association revealed that nearly half of 400 American toy companies believe Trump’s tariffs could force them out of business.
— new from politico.eu