HMA Statement on Current Trade Challenges
May 6, 2025
The Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) is greatly concerned with the ongoing challenges our members are facing as they navigate the significant impact of tariffs on their businesses.
The toy and hobby industry — a sector rooted in small businesses, family traditions, hands-on learning, and future workforce development — faces unique pressures under the current imposition of tariffs on toy and hobby products, coupled with China’s retaliatory tariffs, as well as additional tariffs on the rest of the world. The toy and hobby sector, which operates on slim margins and is deeply rooted in local communities, faces increased landed costs, strained supply chains, disrupted seasonal planning, shrinking consumer access and potential job losses. Without strategic refinement, these forces could erode an industry that has served for generations as a foundation for American creativity, educational advancement, and small business entrepreneurship.
While we understand the objectives of the Administration, our industry is not large enough to make an impact on the trade deficit nor is our presence a matter of national security. There are no immediate, reasonable domestic alternatives available for most of our member companies. This issue has even caused challenges for domestic manufacturers, in price increases for raw materials and components sourced from Asia and beyond.
The toy and hobby sectors are seeking exclusions from these new tariffs under section 301 as:
- These products pose no national security threat and are original, non-sensitive designs created for educational, recreational, and therapeutic use.
- Domestic alternatives are limited, often cost-prohibitive, and ill-suited to the specialized, small-volume nature of hobby manufacturing.
- The industry serves as a critical gateway to STEM and STEAM learning, hands-on education, and intergenerational creativity, especially through after-school programs, museums, veterans’ groups, and retirement communities.
- The sector is composed largely of small, family businesses with narrow margins and limited ability to absorb abrupt cost surges.
Extending exclusions does not undermine strong trade enforcement. Rather, it refines it — anchored in precedent, consistent with broader economic goals, and focused on safeguarding industries that contribute to America’s cultural and educational fabric.
By sustaining these exclusions, the Administration can:
- Reinforce the STEM and STEAM education pipeline and hands-on learning opportunities;
- Preserve small business viability in the face of global uncertainty;
- Protect community-based traditions with deep historical and educational value.
HMA is committed to continuously monitoring this ever-evolving situation and remains dedicated to supporting our members. As the unifying voice for the challenges and struggles our members are facing, we are here to listen, advocate, and provide resources that empower our community. Together, we can navigate these difficulties and emerge stronger.
We support the ongoing efforts of the Hobby Industry Coalition.
For more information, visit: www.HobbyCoalition.org
Press Inquiries should be directed to Tim Blackwell at Ballpark Impressions cowcatcher@verizon.net or 1-817-379-5528.
The Hobby Industry Coalition is a non-partisan alliance of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, educators and other stakeholders. Membership in the Coalition is open to companies, organizations, and institutions that share its foundational principles. These values guide our advocacy, strengthen our credibility, and unify our voice in support of the U.S. toy and hobby industry.