Tariffs, Toys, and the Real Cost to Consumers
Why Your Holiday Shopping Costs More: Michelle Schulz on Tariffs and Trade Policy
Trade attorney Michelle Schulz, founder of Schulz Trade Law, explains how tariffs are quietly reshaping prices on everything from toys to electronics.
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In a recent radio interview on WTMJ in Milwaukee, Michelle Schulz, founder and managing partner of Schulz Trade Law, joined hosts to discuss a question many consumers are asking this season: Why does everything cost more?
Drawing on her experience advising importers and manufacturers across industries, Michelle broke down how current U.S. tariff policy—particularly broad-based duties affecting imports from China and other countries—is driving up prices on everyday goods, with ripple effects felt by businesses and consumers alike.
Why Holiday Gifts Are Getting More Expensive
Michelle explained that tariffs are significantly increasing the cost of commonly imported goods, including toys, electronics, clothing, furniture, and household items. Many products are now subject to a baseline tariff of at least 10%, with additional duties layered on depending on the product category. For example, clothing prices are up roughly 20% on average, while toys have seen increases closer to 17%—costs that ultimately land on consumers’ checkout receipts.
Why China Remains at the Center of the Tariff Conversation
The interview highlighted that the vast majority of toys and holiday decorations are still manufactured in China. While some higher tariffs have been temporarily paused, numerous others—such as steel and aluminum tariffs—remain in effect. According to Michelle, this “across-the-board” approach is far more impactful than the more targeted measures seen during earlier trade disputes, intensifying pressure on companies that rely on Chinese manufacturing and deepening trade tensions overall.
“Anything from China or any other country is going to have at least a 10% baseline tariff, and then you add others on top of that.”
Are Any Industries Spared? Not Really.
While no sector is truly immune, Michelle noted that some large pharmaceutical companies have managed to reduce tariff exposure by investing in U.S.-based manufacturing. These strategic moves can sometimes influence trade outcomes—but smaller companies often lack the capital to pivot in the same way. As a result, tariffs disproportionately affect small and mid-sized businesses, increasing costs and, in some cases, threatening their long-term viability.
“It has been vastly more impactful on companies, and all the way down to the consumer.”
Tariffs are not just a policy issue—they are a business reality.
If your company imports goods, sources materials globally, or is facing rising costs tied to trade regulations, Schulz Trade Consulting can help you understand your exposure and identify compliant strategies to reduce risk. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your bottom line.