A wave of tariff anxiety has driven U.S. importers to bring in next spring’s merchandise months ahead of schedule, with small suppliers stocking up on Chinese-made goods to sidestep potential 100% import levies threatened by the Trump administration.

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Before last weekend’s breakthrough in Kuala Lumpur — where Sino-American trade talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit eased the tariff threat — importers had scrambled to move shipments before the proposed November 1 deadline. The result has been a surge of front-loading activity that’s left warehouses filled with strollers, toys, and seasonal goods intended for 2026’s spring sales.

“We are trying to front-load spring orders,” said Leslie Stiba, CEO of Austlen Baby Co., a high-end stroller manufacturer. “We brought in as much as we could manage.” Stiba said she ordered roughly 20% to 25% more stock than last year, with overall inventory now 50% higher than before the U.S.–China trade conflict began. The added carrying costs, she noted, have put hiring plans on hold.

Importers supplying retail giants such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target followed a similar playbook — accepting higher storage and financing costs in exchange for avoiding potential tariff shocks. Many are gambling that consumer spending will hold steady despite growing caution among lower-income households and lingering economic uncertainty.

Front-Loading Becomes the New Normal

The rush reflects a pattern that’s defined the trade war era. Businesses have repeatedly accelerated imports whenever tariffs loom, driving up freight rates and port congestion. “Until there is a clear path forward or a resolution, we can expect to see more front-loading,” said Noel Hacegaba, COO of the Port of Long Beach. “It has resulted so far this year in a tsunami of cargo.”

Spring merchandise — from Easter baskets to outdoor gear — typically lands in the U.S. at year-end, but this year, record inbound volumes arrived months early, Hacegaba added.

Some Chinese suppliers took the volatility in stride. “Whatever happens on November 1 will happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” said one southern China toymaker. Others, like Deng Jinling, whose company exports thermos flasks to the U.S., reported normal operations. “Most of the goods have already been shipped,” she said. “There’s no rush.”

Balancing Risk and Resilience

Not every importer chose to move early. Spreetail, a distributor of bulky goods such as trampolines, opted to wait out the uncertainty. “We’re watching to see if the tariffs will stick,” said CMO Owen Carr.

Meanwhile, large toy manufacturers are taking a hybrid approach. Hasbro and Mattel executives said they’re increasingly sourcing from domestic warehouses instead of directly from China to better manage tariff risks and inventory levels as consumer spending slows.

Holiday supplier Hey Buddy Hey Pal already has half of its spring stock — Easter-egg decorating kits — staged at a Dallas warehouse. Similarly, Balsam Hill, known for its artificial Christmas trees, decided to move forward with previously delayed spring orders for floral wreaths. “We did a scaled-back order for spring,” CEO Mac Harman said, noting that the company has raised prices to offset higher costs.

Trade Truce Offers Temporary Relief

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday he expects the current tariff truce with China to extend beyond its November 10 expiration, offering importers a brief reprieve. Yet few in the industry expect long-term certainty.

For now, the race to stay ahead of tariff shifts continues — filling American warehouses, inflating logistics costs, and reshaping how retailers plan their seasonal supply chains.