NEW YORK, May 13 – Newell Brands is seeking clear guidance on how the recently reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will be applied before it resumes shipments of its Graco baby strollers and child car seats from China, a company spokesperson said Monday.
The Atlanta-based company, which makes a wide range of products from coffee makers to pens, temporarily halted orders for its China-made goods-mainly Graco baby items-to avoid the steep 145% tariffs on imports, CEO Chris Peterson told Reuters last month.
Newell has stocked enough inventory to supply major retailers like Walmart and Target through mid-summer, Peterson added.
Last week, the Trump administration indicated it is considering exempting essential baby products such as strollers, cribs, and car seats from these tariffs.
The Newell spokesperson said the company is actively lobbying for tariff relief both independently and through trade groups. They are particularly seeking clarity on how tariffs will apply to shipments currently en route from China if the exemption negotiations do not succeed.
Due to the tariffs, Newell has already raised prices on its baby products by about 20%, putting financial pressure on new and expectant parents.
This move comes as Newell works to reduce its reliance on China-based manufacturing amid ongoing tariff uncertainties. The company plans to lower its China exposure to less than 10% by the end of 2025 by shifting production to other countries and increasing automation in its U.S. facilities.
Newell’s CEO noted that nearly all baby strollers and a large majority of car seats sold in the U.S. are sourced from China, making tariff clarity critical for the company and the broader industry.
As tariffs continue to impact costs and supply chains, Newell and other manufacturers face tough decisions on pricing, product availability, and sourcing strategies to navigate the evolving trade landscape.
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