How a Chinese-made toy gets to a US retailer
The BBC explores the supply chain of toys manufactured in China for the US market, noting that nearly 80% of US toy imports originate from China. The process involves complex design cycles, mould creation, and significant retail markups.
Why it matters
Understanding the toy supply chain provides insight into the economic interdependence between the US and China during the peak holiday shopping season.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Sam Fenwick Host – Follow the Money: Business Daily AFP via Getty Images China is the world's largest toymaker, producing the majority of toys on sale in the US On the underside of most children's toys on sale in the US you'll find the same three words – "Made in China".
Nearly eight in 10 toys (78.3%) imported into the country in 2024 came from China, according to US government figures.
Last year, toys imported from China were worth $9.8bn (£7.4bn), trade figures show.
With Christmas on the horizon, the toy industry in the US and elsewhere is about to have its busiest time of the year by far.
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