Trump Brings Major Change To Toy Business
Barbie Maker Adapts to President Trump’s America-First Trade Agenda
Mattel Inc., the iconic U.S. toy company behind Barbie dolls, is taking action to manage the financial impact of President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff strategy, which targets China and seeks to bring jobs and manufacturing back to American soil.
In a first-quarter earnings release, Mattel acknowledged a turbulent economic climate driven by “volatility in global trade policy and U.S. tariffs.” While the latest tariffs haven’t yet hit the company’s bottom line, Mattel made it clear it’s preparing for what may come next.
Mattel Plans Price Adjustments and Reduces Reliance on China
“To offset potential tariff-related costs, we are prepared to adjust product pricing where necessary,” the company stated. Mattel is also working swiftly to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China-based manufacturing, a move many see as aligning with Trump’s ongoing push to decouple the U.S. economy from the Chinese Communist regime.
Efforts include optimizing product sourcing, revisiting its product mix, and accelerating manufacturing alternatives beyond Chinese borders. These measures reflect a growing trend among American companies reevaluating their dependence on overseas labor.
Uncertainty in U.S. Economy Leads to Cautious Outlook
Due to the ongoing unpredictability of the economy and consumer spending, Mattel said it will not issue a full-year forecast for 2025. The company cited the evolving tariff environment and volatile consumer behavior as key reasons for the delay.
“With the current U.S. tariff landscape still unfolding, it’s challenging to predict how American families will spend — especially during the all-important holiday season,” the report noted.
President Trump Defends Tariffs, Calls for Common Sense Spending
Critics have taken aim at Trump’s tariffs, claiming they could raise prices on everyday items. But the President isn’t backing down.
In a fiery segment on NBC’s Meet the Press, President Trump said it’s time for American families to embrace more practical spending.
“I don’t think an 11-year-old needs 30 dolls,” Trump said. “Three or four is enough. We had a trade deficit with China in the hundreds of billions. That was unacceptable.”
He continued: “You don’t need 250 pencils. You need five. It’s time we got smart about how we buy — and who we buy from.”
A New Era: Made in America Over Made in China
As more companies rethink their global manufacturing strategies, Mattel’s adjustments signal a broader shift toward economic patriotism. Under Trump’s leadership, tariffs are no longer a threat — they’re a tool to rebalance trade, reinvest in American workers, and restore U.S. economic independence.
