Whether you were good or bad this year, expect more tariffs in your stocking come December. At the start of the second Donald Trump presidency earlier this year, the administration imposed sweeping tariffs on a wide range of products made outside of the United States. 

From January to April, the average U.S. tariff rate rose from 2.5 percent to an estimated 27 percent—the highest level in more than a century. One of the highest tariffs, 30 percent, was slapped on toys imported from China. As we head toward the holiday shopping season, the toy tariffs have raised prices and left local toy stores scrambling to keep shelves full during a time of uncertainty for shoppers and business owners.

This week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, talks to area toy stores including Traverse City's Toy Harbor and Frankfort's Corner Toy Store on what customers can expect this holiday shopping season — from potential increased prices to a reduced range of inventory. The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at more than 650 locations in 13 counties across northern Michigan.