This year the toy industry faced a difficult period due to global uncertainty and inflation that affected exports. Yet momentum has begun to turn in recent months. The dip in exports is easing as foreign sales regain strength, aided in part by a weaker euro against the dollar. Forecasts now point to a gradual recovery in the American market with turnover expected to rise by the end of the Christmas season. In light of these developments a new edition of a longstanding guideline was released this week by the Technological Institute of Children’s and Recreational Products AIJU, highlighting 103 toys chosen for their educational value and practical use in this cycle.
Last year exports helped lift post pandemic results for the toy sector. After declines in 2020 due to health restrictions and store closures, the industry relied heavily on international trade to rebuild pre pandemic figures. Early 2022 looked promising, but the conflict in Ukraine and broad market volatility created renewed headwinds. The export surge began the year with vigor, yet demand softened from February onward, dipping below the previous year’s levels.
Yet the trend has shifted decisively in recent months. Foreign sales have not only recovered but are showing about a 15 percent year on year increase. The head of the Spanish Association of Toy Manufacturers notes that firms have prepared carefully, stocking in advance to prevent shortages and refreshing catalogs with new offerings. The current currency environment has aided expansion, especially in markets that price in dollars such as the United States, Canada and Mexico.
If the present advance continues and home demand remains solid, the sector’s national turnover could approach 1.7 billion euros. Provincial companies may surpass 450 million, marking an improvement over the previous year’s performance.
In this climate AIJU released its 2022 2023 guideline supported by the Ministry of Sustainable Economy. Thirty nine companies and producer groups contributed to the process, with a total of 103 products selected. AIJU reports that the picks come from items that have undergone pedagogical and usability testing and offer more than 100 hours of free play time, ensuring meaningful educational value and user engagement.
Strong pull of foreign sales puts toy back on a growth path
The event featured the Minister of Economy who underscored governmental support for the sector s international expansion. The guide presentation took place in a setting that included participation from buyers in England, Turkey and Greece with the backing of Ivace reinforcing the cross border momentum driving toy manufacturing forward.