Toy-makers are warning of emptier shelves and pricier toys this holiday season.
- The reason? Their supplies are ensnarled in an unprecedented shipping crisis.
- Most American toys come from China, and usually, that trip lasts about a month.
- Now, according to NPR, it's taking two, three, even four months.
A "perfect storm" describes the turmoil in the supply chain.
- The U.S. trade war with China was quickly followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while prompted closures of factories and ports worldwide.
- Then came bad weather and that giant vessel blocking the Suez Canal.
Now, electricity issues are causing new shutdowns in China.
- Toy prices have already started climbing at least 15% to 20% in many cases.
- How early do you normally start buying presents for the holidays? Are you nervous about getting the "hot toys" this year?
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