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Middle East Instability and Soaring Oil Prices Threaten Toy Industry
Middle East Geopolitics and its Impact on the Toy Industry
At the 'Toy Business Fair 2026' held in Taito-ku, Tokyo, approximately 2,000 new toy products were on display. Event organizers stated that since most toys are made using plastic, the toy industry cannot avoid the impact of rising crude oil prices caused by the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. This is expected to lead to increased production costs, potentially affecting toy prices.
Concerns Over Price Hikes and Supply Chain Instability
The organizers indicated that while they are not in a situation where immediate price increases are necessary, they expressed significant future concerns. Kunihiko Kobayashi, an executive committee member, specifically highlighted that their biggest fear is the possibility of goods not reaching consumers during peak demand periods like Christmas, pointing to potential supply chain disruptions. He added that they are closely monitoring the current situation to prevent such outcomes.
*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-04-15)*
