The U.S.-China Trade Conflict Might Increase Prices of Your Favorite Sex Toys — Should You Stock Up?

The persistent U.S.-China trade conflict is continually shifting, bringing uncertainty regarding tariffs on Chinese goods. A significant share of consumer products available in the U.S. is made in China, and these tariffs are likely to cause price increases. However, the extent of the price hikes that consumers will face, how businesses will adjust, and whether Chinese imports will keep flowing are still unclear.

Amid this unpredictability, many individuals in the U.S. are hurriedly purchasing their preferred electronics and clothing from sites like Shein before prices escalate.

As recently highlighted by Mashable, sex toys are among the numerous items typically produced in China. If the Trump administration continues its existing tariff approach, prices for these items are expected to rise.

So, should you be frantic about buying vibrators and other pleasure items? Let’s dissect this.

If You Have Extra Money: Think About Buying Now

Although this isn’t financial guidance, if you have some spare funds, it could be sensible to shop now instead of later. For example, the sex toy brand Dame has already boosted its “Trump tariff surcharge” from $5 to $15 per order.

Crave, known for its pleasure jewelry, informed Mashable that it has proactively increased its inventory in anticipation of price hikes due to tariffs. While their prices currently remain stable, the company warned customers that they may not be able to retain these prices indefinitely.

There are still budget-friendly options available, such as the Ava Vivv massage wand, currently priced at just $10.99. Additionally, you can explore BBOutlet, a budget-conscious platform from Bellesa, for more deals.

However, if your financial situation is constrained and you’re prioritizing essentials, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait. You might just have to resort to non-digital alternatives for a time.

If Your Current Toy Is Worn Out: Replace It

If your preferred vibrator is nearing the end of its lifespan, now might be the right moment to get a new one. This doesn’t mean you need to hoard a multitude of toys — just one that fits your likes (whether you prefer rumbly vibrations or suction-style options) should suffice.

If You’re Worried About Counterfeits: Purchase from Reputable Brands

If there’s a specific brand you adore or have been eager to try, now is the time to buy — directly from the brand’s official site.

Ti Chang, co-founder and creative director of Crave, highlighted the significance of buying from trusted sources. She advised against purchasing from companies that utilize AI-generated images and lack clarity regarding their products and manufacturing practices.

Some less established brands may attempt to replicate the appearance of notable, high-quality toys without meeting their safety or performance benchmarks. For instance, sex toy knockoffs on Shein have raised concerns regarding product safety and ethical sourcing.

Nonetheless, not all affordable toys are subpar. Certain products on Amazon, for example, receive excellent ratings — just make sure to do your homework. Seek reviews from reliable sources (such as Mashable!) and read product descriptions thoroughly. For assistance, refer to Mashable’s guide on selecting the ideal sex toy.

Stay Updated

As the trade conflict develops, Mashable will keep you informed with the latest news and explanations — from postponed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to reports of panic buying for the iPhone 16.

In the meantime, if you’ve been considering a new toy or two, now might be an opportune moment to indulge yourself — before tariffs make pleasure a bit pricier.