Tariffs on Toys and Trucks: Michelle Schulz Explains Why Holiday Prices Keep Rising
- Schulz Trade Law
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Tariffs on Toys and Trucks:
Michelle Schulz Explains Why Holiday Prices Keep Rising
Trade attorney Michelle Schulz joins SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking to unpack how shifting tariffs are driving up costs for toys, furniture, and freight—and what that means for consumers and the trucking industry heading into 2026.
A Pricier Christmas Ahead
With Thanksgiving around the corner, trade attorney Michelle Schulz, founder of Schulz Trade Law in Dallas, joined Road Dog Trucking News to discuss how tariffs are shaping holiday spending.
She said consumers can expect to pay noticeably more for gifts this year.
“Yes, I would say absolutely—you’re looking at over $100 more on average, and it will continue to rise,” Schulz explained. “Although some tariffs have been dialed back, and we have trade deals pending, many tariffs remain in place. They’re high one day, low the next, but still higher than normal overall.”
She added that even familiar items like furniture and electronics are climbing fast.
“I was just hearing yesterday from someone that buying furniture became an issue because prices are increasing weekly,” Schulz said. “The closer we get to Christmas, the farther into the tariffs we get.”
Toys, Tariffs, and Sticker Shock
The toy industry is being hit especially hard.
“Toys can be made of all different materials subject to tariffs, and they come from countries under tariff,” Schulz noted. “We’re seeing the toy industry really struggle, with fewer imports and more expensive toys this year.”
She pointed to fads like the Lab Boo Boo plush toy—this year’s hit item—as examples of how small electronic components can push prices higher.
“It’s the electronics and textiles inside these toys,” she said. “Everything depends on what’s in it, how it’s categorized, and how much it’s valued.”
Even everyday products like clothing are affected.
“Textiles are subject to tariffs too,” Schulz added. “Everything that comes in from overseas eventually moves on trucks, and that means these costs ripple through the whole system.”
Trucking, Delays, and a Tightening Supply Chain
For the trucking industry, Schulz warned that the ripple effects could be significant.
“We are seeing customs seizing shipments,” she said. “They’ll detain shipments if they think you’re underpaying, and sometimes those get stuck for months. That means storage fees—thousands of dollars per month in some cases.”
As tariffs expand and enforcement tightens, Schulz said she expects the slowdown to continue.
“We’ve reached a deal with China holding out at 10%, but next year it’s scheduled to go up to 34%. Even with delays, these tariffs aren’t going away,” she explained. “Everything from parts to oil and gas is going to cost more—and that directly impacts trucking.”
Her outlook for 2026: cautious.
“We’re seeing companies hold off on investments, and even layoffs in some cases,” she said. “This isn’t stopping this year—it’s going to carry through next year.
From toy manufacturers to trucking fleets, tariff volatility is reshaping every link of the supply chain.
If your company imports, ships, or distributes goods affected by tariffs, contact Schulz Trade Law today to assess your exposure, prevent costly delays, and develop strategies to navigate the year ahead.
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