JPMA Urges Tariff Exemptions for Lifesaving Baby Products to Keep Them Affordable and Accessible for American Families

MT. LAUREL, N.J., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the February 4 implementation of tariffs on Chinese goods to combat unfair trade practices, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) sent a letter to the Trump Administration requesting an exclusion process for critical safety products, similar to what was implemented in 2019.

"Ensuring products for the care and safety of our most vulnerable citizens—infants and young children—remain available to all American families at the lowest possible cost must be prioritized," said Lisa Trofe, executive director of JPMA. "Tariffs, particularly those on Chinese imports, will negatively impact product categories like car seats and cribs that safety experts unanimously agree are critical to keeping babies and young children safe. Tariffs will mean higher costs for consumers, placing a heavy and unnecessary burden on families that will undoubtedly result in fewer babies and toddlers having access to products critical to their safety. The results can be devastating when families are forced to rely on secondhand or older products that do not meet current safety standards; makeshift alternatives that create risks; or even going without protective products at all."

Trofe continued, "Juvenile products are highly regulated, and quality is paramount. A global supply chain allows the U.S.-based companies that design these lifesaving products to search the world to bring the best mix of product quality and value to parents and caregivers by working with suppliers that have specialized capabilities. The safety of infants and young children must be prioritized. The death of even one child due to the unavailability of affordable lifesaving baby products is too many."

JPMA recognizes that China's unfair trade practices need to be confronted, while at the same time, the Association believes there should be specific and strict exclusions for juvenile products and their components. 

"These products are not related to U.S. national security, nor do they hold any real strategic importance in U.S.-China trade relations," said Trofe. "These exclusions would simply allow American families to retain full access and affordability to essential and safe baby gear."

About JPMA
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is the voice of the industry on quality and safety for baby and children's products in North America. We work to advance the interests of manufacturers, parents, children, and the industry at large by advocating for safety through product certification programs and legislative and regulatory involvement. Our members uphold The JPMA Promise, which includes our industry's Core Values. We support our broad and diverse membership through member-only programming and industry promotion. Additionally, we act as a comprehensive source for baby product information, education, and philanthropy through our charitable organization, JPMA Cares. Established in 1962, JPMA has spent more than 60 years helping protect future generations by advancing the availability and safety of products used to care for babies and young children. Learn more at jpma.org. 

SOURCE Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)