Question:
1:6 action figures Is the Hobby in danger of collapse with all the toy industries? Is the global #tariff war only among the Americans or is the whole global industry at odds?
ChatGPT said:
That’s a really sharp question—and yeah, the 1:6 action figure hobby (and collectible toys in general) is definitely feeling some serious pressure right now, though it’s more of a complex storm than a total collapse. Let’s unpack a bit of what’s going on:
What Chatgpt found:
🔧 What’s Pressuring the 1:6 Hobby?
Rising Production Costs: Labor costs in China (where most high-end figures are made) have gone up. That, plus increases in raw material prices (plastics, paints, fabrics), means figures are more expensive to make.
Shipping & Logistics: Since COVID, international shipping costs have been volatile. Container prices spiked, and though they’ve come down a bit, it’s still a costly and slower process to ship globally. That’s hurt small studios especially.
Tariff Wars & Trade Tensions: The U.S. has imposed tariffs on Chinese-made goods—including toys and collectibles—as part of broader economic pressure. So yes, it started with the U.S., but:
It’s spreading globally: Other countries (like India, the EU, and even parts of Southeast Asia) have taken protectionist stances. It’s not quite a global war, but the supply chain is tangled enough that everyone’s feeling it.
For collectors outside the U.S., this sometimes means double taxation or customs fees that make importing figures painful.
Licensing & IP Battles: Officially licensed 1:6 figures (like Hot Toys or ThreeZero) are pricey due to licensing fees. Smaller unlicensed or “third-party” studios face takedowns or legal threats more often now—especially with Disney and Warner Bros. cracking down.
Market Saturation & Fan Fatigue: Prices are up, economies are tighter, and there’s only so much space or money collectors have. Some longtime fans are slowing down or dropping out.