Force is With L.A. Port as ‘Star Wars’ Toys Arrive

0

Move over dolls, stuffed reindeer and snowmen: it’s galactic warrior helmets and light sabers that are going to boost imported toy volumes at the Port of Los Angeles this year, according to trade economists.

Merchandise from “The Force Awakens,” the seventh “Star Wars” movie which will hit theaters this holiday season, is expected to give a double-digit boost to toy volumes shipped from overseas, according to trade economists. Most of the toys from overseas come through the Port of Los Angeles.

Market research firm IHS Inc., using data from international shipping industry tracker JOC Group Inc., said in a report that toy imports are expected to grow 10.9 percent this year. That’s partially due to consumer demand for toys from next month’s highly anticipated “Star Wars” movie, which are bulky and take up more room on ships.

Toys from China accounted for 84 percent of those imported to the United States between January and September of this year, making it America’s largest toy supplier. Shipments from Vietnam rose 28 percent so far this year compared to the same period a year ago.

Dolls, stuffed reindeer and other items related to last year’s holiday blockbuster, Walt Disney Co.’s “Frozen,” last year reversed a three-year slump in toys shipped from overseas, according to the report.

From January through September, 26 percent of overseas toys moved through the L.A. port, 3 percent less than the same period a year ago.

No posts to display