Latest news with #Ahearn
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trade War Could Put ‘Christmas in Danger'
'Christmas is in danger,' according to Toy Association CEO and president Greg Ahearn. In a report by NBC News, Ahearn said U.S. President Donald Trump's increasing tariffs are disrupting manufacturing in China, where the Toy Association estimated 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are sourced. The warning followed Trump's decision to place 145% tariffs on imports from China. Trump claimed that the final tariff rate on Chinese exports would decrease 'substantially,' but a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry denied any suggestion that the country had engaged in negotiations with the U.S. Most Read on IEN: 132-Year-Old Pyrex Plant Closes for Good After Four Shutdown Delays Tesla Accused of Fudging Odometers to Avoid Warranty Repairs Mack Trucks to Lay Off Up to 450, Cites Tariffs PODCAST: $25,000 Electric Truck; Pyrex Plant Closes; MEP Funding Turmoil Ahearn explained that toy production typically increases around this time of year to ensure products are ready for the shopping season. However, in a related sector, Chinese producers of Christmas trees are reporting disruptions. Reuters cited the head of an artificial Christmas tree factory who said none of its American clients had placed orders this year. A separate facility said a critical U.S. buyer paused a $408,000 order and expects it to eventually be canceled. Trump has said one of the goals of his tariffs is to encourage more manufacturing in the U.S. Ahearn said it would be 'virtually impossible' to replicate China's toy manufacturing in the U.S., explaining that the U.S. cannot compete with China's more experienced and less expensive toy supply chain. American Christmas Tree Association executive director Jami Warner echoed Ahearn's sentiment, saying that artificial Christmas trees 'certainly can't be made in the U.S.' due to a lack of technology and labor market. The Toy Association provided further insight into the effects of tariffs on the industry through a survey that asked more than 400 member companies to assess the potential business impact of the 145% tariffs on Chinese toy imports. The report revealed that 96% of American toy companies are small and medium-sized and that 45% to 46% predict they may go out of business within weeks or months due to the current tariff policy. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
BBC News
04-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Epilepsy: Epsom man runs 27 half marathons in memory of sister
A man whose sister died from epilepsy complications is about to complete his 27th half marathon in her honour. Barry Ahearn, from Epsom, in Surrey, has so far raised £12,000 for charity Epilepsy Action in memory of his sister Abbie who suffered a cardiac arrest during a seizure in September Ahearn will run his final race, the Battersea Park half marathon, with his wife, Naomi, on Ahearn said he wanted Abbie's death "to mean something, to help make a difference, not only by raising money to go towards research but also to raise awareness of how serious this condition is". Abbie was three months away from her 30th birthday when she died, just six weeks after receiving an epilepsy Ahearn said of his sister: "She was so much fun to be around, always making jokes and playing pranks. "She brightened any room she walked into with her smile and is sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her."He has chosen to run 27 half marathons to mark each minute Abbie's brain was without oxygen while paramedics tried to revive her. His completed runs include London Bridge and Carrington Water half-marathons, as well as running on his own in his local park. He said: "The solo runs were the toughest emotionally, as it can be hard to stay focussed and motivated, and of course sometimes I was thinking about Abbie." Three people die from epilepsy-related causes every day, according to Epilepsy Action. The charity's fundraising director Philippa Cartwright said: "All of us at the charity are in complete awe of Barry's incredible fundraiser. "His determination and resilience is so inspiring and the money raised in Abbie's memory will help so many people." If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and would like information or support, you can visit the BBC Action Line pages.
