- Toy prices for U.S. holiday shoppers increased by 6.6 percent year-on-year in September 2026, reflecting a 4.2 percent surge from August.
- Experts attribute the rising costs to trade tariffs enforced by President Donald Trump and record-high shipping fuel expenses caused by the ongoing Iran war.
- Despite elevated supply chain costs, major toy manufacturers such as Mattel and Hasbro reported strong double-digit sales growth in the first half of 2026.
- Analysts at Fitch Ratings warn that transportation disruptions and high commodity costs will persist for several quarters.
- The price hikes coincide with a broader U.S. inflation report showing the cost of living rose 3.7 percent year-on-year in September.
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