The United States has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, causing a surge in the prices of baby products and sparking consumer concerns.

In April 2025, the U.S. government announced a new round of tariff increases on imported goods, specifically imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, causing prices of childcare items such as strollers and car seats to surge. With insufficient domestic manufacturing capacity, the supply shortage worsened. Consumers and retailers faced increased cost pressures, with some brands opting to absorb some of the tariff costs. Medical institutions were also impacted by their reliance on imports, heightening the supply chain's vulnerability.

Tariff Policy and Product Categories

According to the latest announcement from the U.S. government, starting in April, tariffs of up to 145% will be imposed on imported goods from China, while a uniform tariff of 10% will be applied to most other countries. These tariffs cover a wide range of childcare-related products, including but not limited to:

• Strollers
• Car seats
• Baby cribs and high chairs
• Breastfeeding aids (such as silicone nipple shields)
• Baby furniture (such as rockers, playpens)
• Basic consumables (such as diapers, bottles)

According to statistics from Baby Center, the average expenditure for American families in the first year of a child's life is $20,384, and this wave of tariffs may further increase that number.

Supply Chain Dependence and Manufacturing Challenges

The U.S. infant product industry has long relied on Asian supply chains. According to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, about 90% of core baby products and their components come from Asia, with the vast majority from China.

Steve Dunn, CEO of Munchkin, pointed out that the U.S. lacks sufficient mold manufacturers, automation technology, and skilled labor to support comprehensive local production of infant products. He has attempted to shift some production to Vietnam and Mexico but still cannot completely eliminate dependence on China.

Price Increases and Market Reaction

After the tariff announcement, consumers reacted quickly. Physics teacher Sam Rutledge and his wife, who were planning to welcome a newborn in July, urgently purchased two strollers, a car seat, a crib, and a high chair, all manufactured overseas, in early April. He stated, "These items were already expensive, and when we learned the tariffs were about to be implemented, we decided to buy them in advance, or the prices might become unaffordable."

For example, a Chicco car seat made in China, originally priced at $209.99, would soar to $472.48 with a 125% tariff. Even with just a 34% tariff, the cost would increase by about $71.

Retailers and Brands' Response

Elizabeth Mahon, owner of the baby store Three Littles in Washington, said she has received notifications from some suppliers about price increases starting in May. She rented warehouse space to stock up but admitted, "For many small businesses, these additional costs are practically a severe financial burden."

Molly Ging, owner of The Little Seedling in Ann Arbor, faces a similar dilemma. She said, "Business is good now because everyone wants to buy before the price hike. But I'm worried about whether I can maintain enough inventory to meet demand in the future."

The baby furniture brand Nurture& chose to absorb some of the tariff costs in the short term and maintain a discount strategy for some products until the end of April. However, the company also admitted that if tariffs persist, they will not be able to bear the import tax burden long-term.

Impact on Medical Equipment and Hospital Supply Chains

Not only families and retailers are affected, but medical institutions are also impacted. According to MedCity News, many medical devices and personal protective equipment (such as masks, gloves, respirators) also rely on imports. The American Hospital Association pointed out that these tariffs will exacerbate the fragility of the medical supply chain, leading to increased costs and potential shortages, thereby affecting patient care and healthcare worker safety.

Medical institutions are currently working with group purchasing organizations (GPOs) to reassess supply sources and contract terms, conduct inventory audits, and simulate cost models to cope with potential price shocks.

Challenges of Manufacturing Reshoring

Although the tariff policy aims to promote domestic manufacturing in the U.S., the industry generally believes it is difficult to achieve in the short term. Munchkin spent a year looking for U.S. manufacturers to produce its new product, the Flow Nipple Shield, but due to the complexity of the design, no manufacturer could take on the task, leading to production being moved to Vietnam.

Dunn noted, "Our entire industry has stopped placing orders from China. These tariffs simply cannot be passed on to consumers."

References

• Strollers and other baby products will get more expensive – and harder to find – with tariffs
• Bad news for parents: This is how Trump’s tariffs can affect baby products
• Strollers, other baby products will get more expensive, harder to find with tariffs
• Strollers and other baby products will get more expensive -- and harder to find -- with tariffs
• Strollers and other baby products will get more expensive — and harder to find — with tariffs
• How Are Hospitals Bracing for Tariffs? - MedCity News
• 「讓美國再次偉大」的代價？從育兒到治病 美國人埋單！ - 香港文匯網