Barbie’s Price Tag Battles: Tariffs Take a Toll on Toys and Beyond

Not every day is perfect in Barbie’s world, especially when rising prices come into play. Amid President Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements, American consumers are already seeing a noticeable jump in product costs, including those of popular toys like Barbie dolls. These increases serve as early signs of how trade policies can impact everyday purchases.
A recent report from the Telsey Advisory Group highlights a significant surge in prices for household goods following Trump’s tariff-related remarks on April 2. Items ranging from leggings and power drills to washing machines and even dolls have seen price upticks. The list spans both affordable and luxury items, reflecting the widespread nature of tariff effects.
Specifically, between April 16 and April 30, a Target-exclusive Barbie doll experienced a shocking 43% price increase — jumping from $10.49 to $14.99. This isn’t an isolated case; a Whirlpool washing machine sold at Lowe’s also surged in cost by nearly $82, now retailing at $599. These changes directly coincide with the tariff timeline.
The pricing wave extended to other consumer staples too. Target’s Girl’s Cat and Jack leggings now cost $6, up from $4.50, marking a 33% jump. A Dewalt power drill at Tractor Supply climbed from $159 to $179 — though it is temporarily discounted to $99. These shifts suggest retailers are responding swiftly to economic pressure.
Even high-end goods haven’t escaped the price hike trend. A Louis Vuitton Neverfull medium tote now costs $2,130, up by $100 in just two weeks, according to Telsey. This broad spectrum of price increases underlines how tariffs ripple through the economy — from everyday basics to luxury indulgences.
However, the report cautions that these numbers shouldn’t be seen as conclusive evidence of tariffs being the sole driver. Telsey examined only a small number of items per company and didn’t factor in sales, markdowns, or strategic pricing changes. Yet the pattern is still significant and may forecast a broader economic shift.
In fact, not all items monitored by Telsey experienced price increases. Some even became cheaper, showing inconsistency in how tariffs are affecting consumer prices — at least for now. Still, the report warns that price hikes are likely to become more widespread as tariffs tighten in the coming months.
Retailers are already taking steps to mitigate risks. Telsey notes that many brands are rushing to reassess supply chains and make preemptive pricing decisions. This includes sourcing alternatives and adjusting product strategies to absorb the rising costs of doing business in a tariff-heavy environment.
Although several U.S. companies are exploring ways to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, very few are considering relocating operations back to America. Mattel’s CEO Ynon Kreiz emphasized that while design and engineering happen in the U.S., actual production abroad enables affordable pricing. In response, Trump threatened a 100% tariff on companies like Mattel, despite uncertainty over how such a measure would be enforced.