I greet the New Year with optimism that the U.S. toy community will sustain growth.  We saw leaps in both 2015 and 2016, thanks to our industry’s deep creativity, inventiveness and business acumen, qualities that augur well for the future. I am encouraged by trends that have the potential to fuel positive sales through holiday ’17, including immersive tech toys, active play, family games, collectibles, the continued positive influence of licensing, and STEM/STEAM toys that are now foremost fun and educational.
Make no mistake, however, that we will be met with challenges. No recent issue has raised more questions or caused more concern for the Toy Industry Association (TIA) and our members than the possibility of the new Administration and Congress raising tariffs on imported products – as well as the potential for a trade war with China. While much remains to be seen as Washington debates comprehensive tax reform, any proposals for a Border Adjustment Tax are of deep concern to toymakers. On the upside, promises of reduced regulatory burdens and the potential lowering of corporate tax rates bode well for the health of all companies in the toy and play space. Our team remains relentlessly focused on these issues and on protecting the toy industry.
In 2016, TIA reached new levels of impactful government and media communications as well as success in educating consumers about the strict standards and regulations that ensure the safety of all toys sold in the U.S. We proactively and aggressively pushed back on your behalf against false NGO claims and we believe these intensive efforts over the past two years have successfully influenced a change in their approach. For example, U.S. PIRG’s 2016 Trouble in Toyland report focused almost exclusively on recounting existing regulations and simply questioning recall effectiveness. We continue to urge parents and caring adults to shop only at reputable stores and online retailers, and to stay up-to-date on any recalls announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I am confident that TIA’s advocacy will continue to dispel myths and mistruths as we emphasize our industry’s deep commitment to safe play for all children.

                                                        ——Data from:TIA news