Trump’s Tariffs Spiking Toy Prices: Comics Escape Unscathed

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The tariffs enacted by the Trump administration are affecting not only the action figure and toy sectors but also the film industry.

Trump enacted a robust tariff system towards other countries, in response to these countries already imposing tariffs on American products.

In simpler terms, the financial markets have experienced significant turbulence, leading to President Trump announcing a temporary halt on some tariffs. Despite this, tensions between the U.S. and China persist, as Trump has also implemented new tariffs, bringing the total to 145% on certain goods.

It’s worth noting that China serves as a significant supplier of various products. For our site’s audience, this extends to action figures and toys, comic books, and the film industry.

Trump tariffs and comics

At present, the comic book sector enjoys immunity from certain import taxes since it’s categorized as a type of printed literature that’s been excluded from the tariff list.

  • Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter in single sheets, whether or not folded
  • Printed dictionaries and encyclopedias and serial installments thereof
  • Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, other than in single sheets
  • Newspapers, journals and periodicals, appearing at least four times a week
  • Newspaper supplements printed by a gravure process
  • Newspaper, journals and periodicals, except those appearing at least four times a week
  • Children’s picture, drawing or coloring books
  • Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
  • Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases and topographical plans, printed in book form
  • Globes, printed
  • Other printed maps and hydrographic or similar charts, not globes and not in book form, nesoi
  • Hand-drawn original plans and drawings; hand-written texts; photo reproductions on sensitized paper and carbon copies of the foregoing
  • Printed trade advertising material, commercial catalogs and the like
  • Printed matter, nesoi, printed on paper in whole or in part by a lithographic process
  • Printed matter, nesoi

Trump tariffs and action figures and toys

Information from BigBadToyStore.com indicates that the Trump tariffs are affecting the toy market, leading to an announcement about increased prices for their orders and pre-orders. Specifically, these prices may go up by as much as 40%.

According to a post made by Toy News International on April 10, Joel Boblit, the founder and president, penned a declaration: Part of this announcement reads…

In this message, I’d like to update you on our strategies to manage the rising tariff predicament we’re currently facing. I value transparency and honesty with you, so I want to discuss openly the potential consequences of these tariffs. Given the complexity of the situation, please accept my apologies for the extended length of this communication. However, I believe it is crucial to provide a clear picture during these challenging times.

Boblit continues with mention that most of their products they sell come from China and Vietnam:

Over the past 25 years, our business has thrived under a zero-tariff policy, being a family-owned entity. However, approximately 8 months ago, a 10% tariff was imposed on products originating from China. This rate later doubled to 20%, and in April, an additional 34% tariff was applied, resulting in a combined 54%. Last night, another 50% was added, making the total tariffs for Chinese goods now stand at 125%. Interestingly, it seems that Vietnam’s proposed 46% tariff has been revised to 10%, effective for the next 90 days. These two nations account for around 90% of our product sales.

Boblit states that as a result of the situation, Big Bad Toy Store will be raising prices:

I regret to inform you that due to the tariffs, we’ll likely see price hikes for affected products, such as new items and pre-orders still open. We’re making every effort to keep these increases minimal by negotiating with our suppliers, streamlining import procedures, and shouldering some of the financial burden ourselves. I deeply apologize for this situation and wish it weren’t so.

The owner then goes into his political views, adding:

We’re deeply sorry for where things have ended up, and we’ll tirelessly strive to limit any inconvenience for you moving forward.

Although we regret how things have turned out, we remain committed to keeping disruption to a minimum.

Boblit says they are raising prices between 15% to 40% but may change depending what happens:

To keep things clear during this fast-moving scenario, we’re updating the pricing on newly impacted pre-orders to our standard, non-tariff rates. We’ll also display a notice stating that a tariff fee will be applied once the product is delivered. The exact amount will be communicated before any payment is taken, and you’ll have the option to cancel your pre-order if the tariff fee is not suitable for you. Our customer service team remains ready to assist with any issues related to this situation, and we’re prepared to be accommodating given the circumstances. Currently, we anticipate the tariff may range from 15% to 40% of the pre-order price, but this could change as events progress. Remember that items currently available for immediate purchase are not affected by tariffs.

Boblit adds:

I deeply regret having to pass higher costs onto you, but unfortunately, we have no influence over the current tariff situation. If tariffs are alleviated or eliminated, we promise to adjust or eliminate any additional charges on your orders accordingly. Rest assured that we’ll strive for fairness and share the burden of these tariffs with you. I must admit that we too are experiencing considerable economic and business disruption due to these tariffs. We remain committed to providing you with the high-quality service and customer care you’re accustomed to, as we face this challenging period together.

You can read the full statement via the link above.

Trump tariffs and the movie business

Concerning the film industry, China is planning to decrease the number of American films they import, potentially lowering the earnings of U.S. movie production companies at the box office.

For quite some time now, China has been restricting the number of American movies shown within its borders, a move unrelated to tariff disputes. However, as tariff conflicts persist, China is planning to tighten this restriction even more by allowing fewer films into the country.

In contrast to the expectation, several American movies granted entry into China have achieved considerable success, such as Godzilla vs Kong, which grossed $132.2 million in China, contributing to its total global earnings of $571.8 million. If the ongoing trade dispute persists until its planned 2027 release, a sequel may not receive a Chinese screening at all, potentially missing out on significant box office revenues.

A Minecraft Movie, which just opened big around the world, also brought in $14.5M from China.

Trump responds

Upon hearing the news, Trump responded, “I think I’ve heard of worse things.”

Statement from China Film Administration

In response to Beijing’s declaration of an 84% tariff on American imports, I, as a supporter, fully back President Trump’s decision to counter with increased tariffs amounting to 145%. This move underscores our determination to protect U.S. industries and maintain fair trade practices. Subsequently, the China Film Administration made a statement in line with these actions.

If the U.S. government continues to misuse tariffs against China, it could lead to a decrease in Chinese audiences’ appreciation for American movies. Instead, we intend to abide by market regulations, honor audience preferences, and gradually decrease the number of American films we import.

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2025-04-11 01:02