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Recalls Will Increase 'Made in China' Prices

New quality standards are expected to pinch consumers' pockets

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 9, 2007 10:44 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Following a series of high-profile toy recalls and international criticism over China's export standards, the the cost of merchandise bearing the "Made in China" is expected to rise at least 10% in the next year, the LA Times reports. "For American consumers, the big China sale over the last 20 years is over," says one economist.

Increases, which will cut across  the market from toys to the frozen foods,  probably won't kick in before the Christmas season, since those orders are already in, and it's unclear how much will be absorbed by retailers, and how much passed on directly to consumers.  "I don't think we have a choice. A product is either safe or unsafe," says Costco CEO James Sinegal.

Mattel Inc. headquarters is shown in El Segundo, Calf., in this Aug. 14, 2007 file photo. Mattel, whose reputation has been battered by two high-profile toy recalls this summer, will announce on Wednesday Sept. 4, 2007 the recall of a third batch of Chinese-made toys because they may contain excessive...
Mattel Inc. headquarters is shown in El Segundo, Calf., in this Aug. 14, 2007 file photo. Mattel, whose reputation has been battered by two high-profile toy recalls this summer, will announce on Wednesday...   (Associated Press)
A Chinese girl looks at the Barbie dolls on display for sale inside a department store in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007. China launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to weed out unqualified toy makers in the wake of a massive worldwide recall of Chinese-made toys, following two weeks after...
A Chinese girl looks at the Barbie dolls on display for sale inside a department store in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007. China launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to weed out unqualified toy...   (Associated Press)
A vendor waits for customers at a toy stall in a department store in Beijing Tuesday Aug. 28, 2007. China launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to weed out unqualified toy makers in the wake of a massive worldwide recall of Chinese-made toys. The plan comes two weeks after Mattel Inc....
A vendor waits for customers at a toy stall in a department store in Beijing Tuesday Aug. 28, 2007. China launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to weed out unqualified toy makers in the wake of a massive...   (Associated Press)
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