Tiny toy firms fear Trump tariffs tear Comic-Con profits
Comic‑Con Turns Into an Economic Forum
While San Diego’s Comic‑Con buzzed with costumed fans and new releases, a panel titled Toys, Tariffs, and Trade Wars shifted the mood toward a polemic issue: the effect of President Trump’s proposed tariffs on the toy industry.
Panel Takeaways
- Jonathan Cathey, chief executive of collectibles firm The Loyal Subjects, warned that higher tariffs will push prices up and reduce sales.
- Daniel Pickett, moderator, described Trump’s tariff proposals as “exaggerated, somewhat crazy, and frightening.”
- Brian Flynn of Super7 said unpredictable tariff shifts cause “chaos and uncertainty,” admitting his Comic‑Con booth had to shrink to a small concession stand.
Industry Impact
Last year, the U.S. imported $17 billion of toys, with over $13 billion sourced from China. Trump’s tariff row with Beijing has disrupted U.S. businesses and their Chinese suppliers, igniting a debate about whether tariffs protect jobs or stifle innovation.
Cathey’s View on Jobs
Cathey argued that the rhetoric of “bringing back factory jobs” misses the reality that 480,000 manufacturing jobs remain unfilled. He suggested the U.S. value lies more in innovation than in mass production.
Explaining the Tariff Debate
While Hasbro’s CEO Chris Cocks warned that higher tariffs could raise prices, Trump defended the policy by claiming it favors domestic production. Cathey countered that tariffs make sense for industries like automotive and mining, but not for toys like Barbie.
What to Expect for Consumers
flynn forewarned that consumers will feel the tariff impact in the next quarter, warning that triple‑digit tariffs “will drive everyone out of the market.”
In summary, Comic‑Con’s toy panel spotlighted a sobering conversation about the ripple effects of U.S. tariffs on the toy industry, balancing industry concern with policy debate.
