Hasbro Seeks Tariff-Free Toys Due to Continued Sales of Magic: The Gathering Cards
Lemme spill the tea on Hasbro's trade situation after the Trump tariffs 🍵💡
It's been a solid month since these tariffs went ~~hot and heavy~~, and plenty of companies have been feeling the heat. But Hasbro, for the most part, ain't one of 'em.
During a recent investor call, CEO Chris Cocks said the company's in a good spot in the current global trade climate. Most of Hasbro's games business is digital or, when it comes to the board game division, locally produced stateside. Wizards of the Coast, handling the likes of Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, boasts a low tariff exposure thanks to a clever strategy. Their domestic base is situated in Texas and North Carolina, while their international manufacturers are stationed in Kyoto, Japan, or Europe—both currently exemption zones from the tariffs.
China, crumbling under the weight of those tariffs, remains a "big manufacturing hub." However, the only Wizards-related import from China are some D&D boxed sets. Cocks admitted Hasbro's been juggling some tricky logistics, calling for a more stable and favorable U.S. trade policy environment. They're backing The Toy Association's stance for zero tariffs on toys and games worldwide.
Cocks warned that tariffs equate to higher consumer prices, possible job losses as they adapt to absorb increased costs, and slimmed profit margins for shareholders. This ain't a worry for Hasbro just yet, as they're assuring their guidance remains unchanged. But extended tariff conditions could create ongoing costs and market uncertainty.
As far as Wizards products go, Hasbro's not too fussed about the tariffs at the moment. Magic is enjoying a robust first quarter of 2025-2026, with the card game's booming licensing business—especially the upcoming Final Fantasy crossover—contributing significantly to the division's growth. So, while Wizards products might not be hit hard by tariffs due to domestic production, the overall trade situation still poses challenges.
Now, let's chat about exciting things on the horizon—like upcoming releases for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, plans for the DC Universe, and the future of Doctor Who! 🤯🚀🤓✨
The future of Hasbro's games industry, particularly Wizards of the Coast, remains relatively unaffected by tariffs due to strategic domestic production and international manufacturing in exemption zones. However, CEO Chris Cocks voiced concern about the potential long-term impact of tariffs on logistics, consumer prices, job losses, and shareholder profits. Meanwhile, Hasbro continues to thrive, with a promising first quarter for the Magic: The Gathering division, boasting a significant growth thanks to licensing deals, such as the upcoming Final Fantasy crossover. As we look forward, anticipation builds for the release of Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek products, as well as the evolution of DC Universe and Doctor Who. technological advancements and industry trends suggest a business-friendly environment for Hasbro and the entire finance sector, with platforms like Gizmodo and io9 providing insightful coverage on these developments.