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The China Toy and Juvenile Products Association (CTJPA) on Friday issued a statement via its official WeChat account, urging the US government to maintain the zero-tariff policy on toys as stipulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The association warned that any unilateral tariff hike could inflict damage on consumers, manufacturers, and retailers across both countries.

According to CTJPA, toys are essential to children's development, ensuring play, learning, and a joyful childhood. After China joined the WTO, zero-tariff policies on toys have created a stable global toy trade environment. 

CTJPA said recent US tariff plans on Chinese goods have raised concerns among American toy brands, retailers, and Chinese manufacturers, who warn such moves would harm shared interests.

CTJPA called on the US to honor the WTO agreement on zero tariffs for toys, with the goal of protecting bilateral economic cooperation, safeguarding consumer welfare, and preserving the interests of businesses in both nations, according to the CTJPA statement.

Toys are essential for children's healthy growth, ensuring global access to play, learning, and a joyful childhood. Since China joined the WTO, zero-tariff policies on toys have been the norm between China and its major trading partners. We have teamed up with the US Toy Association and other key members of the International Council of Toy Industries to call on the US government to honor the WTO commitment to zero tariffs on toys, said the association.

CTJPA warned that unilateral US tariff hikes have triggered a new series of challenges in global trade, leaving both American and Chinese companies at a disadvantage. It called on all US brands, retailers, and Chinese suppliers to address shared concerns through dialogue and mutually beneficial arrangements, and work together to overcome current difficulties and avoid unilateral actions that risk destabilizing supply chains, said CTJPA.

On March 21, 2025, the Toy Association released a statement on its website underlining industry-wide solidarity to keep toys tariff-free. "We, the undersigned members of the global toy industry, reaffirm our commitment to ensuring toys are tariff-free around the world," read the statement, adding that toys are "essential products" vital for children's well-being and growth.

CTJPA said the statement has received support from 21 global toy associations, including Asia Toy& Play Association, British Toy & Hobby Association, Toy Industries of Europe, and its own. In calling for the US government to maintain zero tariffs, industry leaders emphasize the need to preserve children's access to affordable toys and protect the interests of global consumers.

Global Times