Tariff Burden Delays Retirement for New York Toy Maker

Joann Cartiglia, owner of a New York-based toy company that designs historic-based dolls and accessories, says recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods forced her to cut production. The business, which relies on November-December sales, could not absorb an extra 30 % cost and limited output. Cartiglia is awaiting about $15,000 in tariff refunds, but customs processes larger refunds first, extending the wait.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

The tariffs were reinstated at 10 % and may rise to 15 %. They follow a post-COVID shipping crisis that prompted the federal government to issue Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small firms. Cartiglia’s EIDL, secured with a personal guarantee, remains a key liquidity source as her business loses money in all months except the holiday season.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

Customs officials say “large refunds will be processed before small ones,” delaying claimants like Cartiglia. The SBA’s EIDL program, which Cartiglia calls “wonderful,” was provided to mitigate the post-COVID shipping disruption.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

Cartiglia argues the tariff structure and refund system lack transparency, imposing “the tariff is related to my ACH number” yet requiring a “crazy process” for reimbursement. She warns a potential 15 % increase would further strain finances.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

Cartiglia describes a “scariest situation,” with delayed EIDL payments and reliance on Airbnb rentals and her 67-year-old husband’s plow-truck work. At 65, she has postponed retirement plans that once included hiking and camping.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

Sources do not state how long the $15,000 refund will take or when a 15 % tariff could be imposed; customs has not provided a timeline.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

• “I did not have a cash reserve of an extra 30% — on top of my cost of goods — to pay the government.” — Joann Cartiglia, Owner

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

• “Cartiglia: But I'm awaiting about $15,000 in tariff [refunds].” — Joann Cartiglia

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

• “Cartiglia: Even though I have had a payer number with customs for 20 years, they have access to my account, to ACH money, to customs.” — Joann Cartiglia

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

• “I'm told they're going to raise it to 15% — which is the most that he can levy.” — Joann Cartiglia

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"

Cartiglia is waiting for the refund while watching for a possible tariff increase to 15 %. The timing of the refund and any tariff change will determine whether she can restart full production and resume retirement plans.

For this toy shop owner, tariff uncertainty means retirement is "off the table"