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Germany's iconic nutcrackers threatened by Trump tariffs

Dan Hirschfeld
April 30, 2025

Made mostly by small crafts businesses, German traditional nutcrackers are hugely popular in the US. Trump's tariff hike could make them either unaffordable or unprofitable.

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The German company Steinbach Volkskunst has created a popular nutcracker doll depicting Donald Trump at his desk in the Oval Office. Priced at $379, the doll's cost may rise due to impending tariffs imposed by the real-life US president, posing a significant challenge for the manufacturer, which sells over 95% of its production in the US. Mike Nestler, Production Manager, expresses concern that a 20% tariff hike could push the price above $400, potentially deterring customers.

In Seiffen, a toy-making village in the Ore Mountains, over 120 manufacturers produce wooden figures, toys, and Christmas pyramids. The US market is crucial for these artisans. Rico Paul, owner of Steinbach Volkskunst, warns that job cuts may be necessary, if tariffs affect production and sales, though employees remain hopeful due to a recent 90-day delay in tariff implementation.

 

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.