US Toy Prices Jump 6.6% Before Holidays

U.S. toy prices rose 6.6% from a year earlier in September and 4.2% from August on a seasonally adjusted basis, adding pressure as households prepare for holiday shopping. Reports attribute the increases in part to tariffs on imported goods and higher energy and shipping costs, which affect toys made with imported components and petroleum-based plastics. Broader inflation also accelerated: overall consumer prices rose 3.7% over the year, while gas prices jumped 9.1% in September. Many shoppers are prioritizing savings, with surveys finding that 45% of consumers describe their household finances as insecure and more than 70% say saving money is a priority. Despite the price squeeze, the U.S. toy industry recorded its strongest first half in six years, with sales up 17% from the same period a year earlier.