by The Toy Association | 28 Oct 2025
General
The Toy Association™ is closely monitoring major global trade and tariff developments that may affect toy industry operations and costs:
U.S.–China Developments
Ongoing talks between the U.S. and China may soon result in a potential trade framework addressing key issues such as rare earth exports, reciprocal tariffs, fentanyl cooperation, and agricultural purchases. While China has agreed to delay its rare earth export restrictions and increase cooperation on fentanyl precursor chemicals, several sensitive topics — including Taiwan — remain unresolved ahead of an anticipated meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi on Thursday, October 30.
In addition, on October 24, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) launched a new Section 301 investigation into China’s compliance with the 2019 “Phase One Agreement.” The investigation will examine whether China’s actions restrict U.S. commerce. USTR has opened public comments on the issue through December 1 and will hold a public hearing on December 16. Results of the investigation could potentially impact the U.S.-China trade relationship and lead to further tariff measures.
Southeast Asia Trade Activity
Across Southeast Asia, the U.S. announced new agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia and frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam, signaling renewed engagement in the region. These developments mark renewed U.S. attention to Southeast Asia and signal possible additional tariff activity in the coming weeks.
Other Key Developments
The Toy Association is closely monitoring global trade actions, including any official policy developments, and will continue to update members as new information becomes available. Questions may be directed to Maria Sierra, vice president of government affairs at The Toy Association.
In Memory of Michael Kohner — A Toy Industry Legend and a True Gentleman of Play
Reyn Guyer’s Next 15 Minutes of Fun
Boaz Coster Talks Creating Elefun, It's Return, and More!
More Than an Exhibition: A Journey of Inspiration and New Friendships at ASTRA
Sari Wiaz, Baby Paper - The Story No One is Covering..How are small brands surviving?
Book Review: Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity by Cas Holman
New tabletop trading platform
Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster, Talks Hacky Sacks, Gen Z Trends, and the Value of Simplicity
The Association for Games and Puzzles International Announce Speakers and Outstanding Achievement Honoree
The Bedtime Battle and Why SleepToy is Reimagining Evening Routines
Randy Klimpert Shares his Ukulele Collection
Steve Casino Peanut Art
Everyone's Talking about POP!
Princess Etch - a Multi-Talented Etch A Sketch Artist
Joseph Herscher of Joseph' s Machines.
Brent Bushnell talks Two Bit Circus, VR, & STEAM (Part 1)
Tim Walsh Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Blurt!
Connie Vogelmann designed Apiary & Wyrmspan!
Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
POPDuo: Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President & COO, and Kedar Narayan, Young Inventor Challenge AMB
POPDuo: Will Shortz and Josh Wardle
POP Duo: Elan Lee, Co-Founder, Exploding Kittens.and Jeff Probst, Host and Exec Producer, Survivor
POP Duo: David Fuhrer, MNG Director, Blue Sq Innovations & Shawn Green, past Dodgers & Mets MLB Star
POP Duo: Bob Fuhrer, Founder, Nextoy and Tom Fazio, Golf Course Designer