“145 percent tariffs are too high.”
This was the latest statement from President Donald Trump at a White House press conference on April 22. After months of increasing tensions in the trade war with China, there was a clear sign of a possible policy change. This was the first indication from the administration. Trump confirmed that tariffs on Chinese goods would be “significantly lowered, but not to zero.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent echoed the sentiment at a closed-door meeting with investors on the same day, stating, “The tariff standoff between the United States and China is unsustainable. We expect the tension between the world’s two largest economies to cool down in the near future.”
This policy shift did not come out of nowhere. In recent weeks, multiple U.S. industries have voiced their inability to withstand such percent tariffs. The adult toys and sex toy industry has experienced significant changes. This is because of strong lobbying from the agriculture, automotive, and steel industries.
“If your vibrator just got more expensive, don’t be surprised. Most sex toys are manufactured in China.” — Alexandra Fine, CEO of Dame
Auto Giants and Farmers Sound the Alarm First
Why did Trump decide to ease tariffs now? The pressure from key domestic industries and voting blocs played a major role.
On the same day as Trump’s comments about tariffs, six prominent U.S. toy companies and auto industry groups sent a letter. They addressed Treasury Secretary Besent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Grier. They warned that the planned 25 percent tariffs on auto parts could disrupt U.S. production. These tariffs will start on May 3.
The letter highlighted that many auto suppliers were already “struggling to survive,” unable to absorb the additional cost hikes. The risk of supply chains breaking down, production halts, and widespread job losses loomed large.
An industry analyzing from Wall Street predicted that if tariffs on China remain high, the American auto sector could face over $100 billion in additional costs annually, with millions of vehicles cut from production.
At the same time, the American Soybean Association‘s President, Mr. Raglan, issued a grim warning: “We are not just worried about losing money. We are worried about losing everything—including our land.” Almost half of U.S. soybean production relies on buyers from China. The ongoing trade war with China has put farmers in a tough spot.
Sex Toys: The Hidden Victims of the Trade War
Headlines usually mention soybeans, cars, and steel. However, Trump’s tariffs also affect another industry. This industry is the adult toys sector.
“Roughly 90 percent of global sex toys are manufactured in China, especially in Shenzhen and Dongguan. This isn’t something that can be quickly shifted to another region.” — Polly Rodriguez, CEO of sex toy brand Unbound
The supply chains for sex toys are different from those for agriculture or car parts. They rely on complex electronics, vibration motors, lithium batteries, medical-grade silicone, and ABS plastic. Chinese manufacturing hubs mainly produce all these materials.
“Even if you have the product design ready, there’s no way to find small local factories in the U.S. that can mass-produce vibration motors or batteries at scale.” — Michael Topolovac, CEO of Crave
Adding to the challenge is the fact that the sex toy industry often faces classification issues under the U.S. classification system, being labeled as “sensitive products.” This limits policy support for local production and makes supply chain relocation virtually impossible.
To cope with Trump’s tariffs, brands like Dame introduced the so-called Trump tariff surcharge—adding $15 per order to offset rising costs. Yet as Alexandra Fine, CEO of Dame, admitted, this measure barely scratches the surface of the financial pressure.
Vibratex, a wholesale distributor, added a tariff offset fee of 10 to 40 percent for retailers. However, they noted that this change could only help with short-term losses. Not a long-term solution.
Smaller brands with limited capital and low margins faced even harder challenges. Many have paused imports, cut production, or shut down entirely.
Muted Voices: Why the Sex Toy Industry Remains Overlooked
Why hasn’t the plight of the adult toys sector received as much attention as other industries?
The answer lies in a combination of policy barriers and social stigma. Since 2018, the U.S. has enforced the FOSTA-SESTA law. This law aims to fight online sex trafficking. However, it has also silenced sex toy brands, sexual wellness educators, and sex workers on social media.
Both Dame and Unbound faced many rejections from Facebook and Instagram. They tried to run ads about women’s sexual wellness.
“People assume these products are just optional luxuries. But remember, these are devices used on and inside the human body. If fair-market brands can’t survive, the gap will be filled by unregulated, potentially dangerous alternatives.” — Hallie Lieberman, historian and author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy
The risk is not just about raising prices. The drop in quality supply could harm the health and safety of consumers. This may lower the quality of their sex life.
Magic Wand Hit, Small Brands Hurt: The Uneven Toll of Trump’s Tariffs
The iconic Magic Wand—a staple in the global sex toy market for decades—felt the effects of the tariff war. Manufacturers first made the product in Japan. It later moved to China for better supply chains. However, rising tariffs caught it.
For small businesses, the challenge was even greater. Unlike large-scale distributors who can handle costs, these brands had a hard time surviving the first 20 percent tariff increase.
Many small companies faced challenges. They didn’t have enough money or a variety of products. As a result, they had to raise their prices significantly. Some even had to stop selling in the U.S. market.
As tariffs increased, small businesses felt more pressure. This demonstrated how unfairly the industry shared the burden of this policy.
Gaia in Love: Upholding Stability and Cooperation Amid the Storm
Gaia in Love is a Chinese sex toy manufacturer and exporter focused on women’s sexual wellness. The company believes in cooperation and shared success, following China’s trade policy.
“China has long pointed out that there are no winners in a trade war with China. Protectionism leads nowhere. Decoupling and supply chain disruption will only isolate those who promote them,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
“We don’t want a fight, but we’re not afraid of one. If the U.S. chooses dialogue, our door is open. If they choose conflict, we’re ready.”
Gaia in Love shows this spirit of cooperation. It seeks flexible solutions by communicating openly with global partners. Whether through cost-sharing strategies or optimized production arrangements, the brand remains committed to ensuring product quality and reliable delivery.
“Free trade and fair competition are the soil where the global adult toys industry can truly innovate and thrive. Only by keeping our doors open can we build a future together.” — Rose Xin, Gaia in Love
After the Tariff Rollback: A Path Toward Stability
The damage caused by Trump’s tariffs over the past year is undeniable. But the current policy adjustment signals a much-needed shift back toward balance and reason.
“This is good news—and the right direction.” — Commented a Vibratex spokesperson.
However, after years of tariff escalations and uncertainty, the industry remains cautiously optimistic. Michael Topolovac of Crave summed it up well:
“We welcome this rational step, but what we hope for most is policy stability. Businesses can’t operate when the rules keep changing overnight.”
For the global sex toy and adult toys industry, stability is not just about cost. Keeping supply chains strong, protecting consumer health, and encouraging innovation without worrying about sudden political changes is essential.
The trade war with China may be cooling, and while the percent tariffs may drop, the true healing process will take longer. But for now, the signs are pointing toward a better, safer environment for businesses, products, and consumers alike.
Browse more related articles about us:
- 104% Tariff Bomb: China Strikes Back—Can Brands Survive?
- Tariff Storm: 2025 Chinese Sex Stuff Export Challenges
- How Chinese Sex Toy Brands Survive the 2025 Tariff War？
- EU Responds to US Tariffs: Global Trade Issues Resurface
- Efficient Inventory Management for Women Toys
