Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inJ.R. DurenFriday 16 October 2026 16:03 BSTTrump threatens EU with tariffs over Canada proposalsToy 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.In fullTrump’s tariffs and Iran war will make toys more expensive this holiday seasonMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in