Rep. Mike Levin and Toy Manufacturer Reveal Tariff's Consequences on the Cost of Living and Local Jobs
Rep. Levin discusses the impact of tariffs
Watch full press conference here
Carlsbad, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) held a press conference with The Op Games, a toy manufacturing company based in Carlsbad, to sound the alarm on the impact of the Trump Administration’s tariffs on small businesses, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
“Trump’s tariffs are nothing more than a hidden tax on everyday goods,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “Other countries aren’t paying these costs—California families and companies like The?Op?Games are. When prices rise, demand drops, revenue dries up, and jobs disappear. I’m calling on the President to lift these reckless tariffs and negotiate smart, targeted agreements that punish bad actors, not American consumers.”
The?Op?Games—maker of fan-favorite versions of Clue, Monopoly, and Telestrations—sources about 80% of its production in Asia. Management estimates the import taxes could double manufacturing costs and push retail prices out of reach for many households.
Additionally, tariffs directly unravel supply chains both at home and abroad, making it costlier for manufacturers to source goods and creating a domino effect that punishes consumers. This drives up costs for everything from board games to groceries, electronics and cars. In February, Rep. Levin wrote to President Trump urging him to rethink the policy, warning it hurts more than it helps. In response to President Trump’s across-the-board tariff taxes in April, Rep. Levin cosponsored the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which would limit the President’s ability to impose sweeping tariffs unilaterally. Tariff powers belong with Congress – not one individual who can implement them unilaterally and wreak havoc on the U.S. economy.
“Creating joy, laughter and lifetime memories through board games is at the essence of what we do at The OP. Board games are among the very few forms of highly affordable entertainment still available to families. For less than the price of parking at a concert or sporting event, The OP can deliver to consumers endless hour of fun. Tariffs of 145% will make it impossible to maintain this low-price option we provide consumers,” said Dane Chapin, CEO of The Op Games.
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