Are Barbies Made In China? Unveiling The Manufacturing Origins

Is the Barbie doll manufactured in China? In 2001, Mattel made the decision to close its last factory in the United States, located in Murray, Kentucky. Since then, production of popular Mattel toys like Barbie and Hot Wheels has been outsourced to several countries, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and Thailand. This shift in manufacturing locations has led to the global distribution of these toys, with each of these countries playing a role in producing Mattel’s iconic products as of August 3, 2023.

Why are Barbie dolls primarily manufactured in China today? The transition of Barbie production to China reflects the evolution of global manufacturing trends and economic considerations. The shift began as Hong Kong’s economy surged, causing labor costs to increase. In response to this changing landscape, Mattel, the company behind Barbie, decided to relocate its production facilities to more cost-effective locations. Consequently, during the 1990s, Barbie production shifted to Indonesia. By September 10, 2007, China had become a central hub for manufacturing Barbie dolls, a move in line with the broader trend of outsourcing production to China due to its lower production costs and vast manufacturing capabilities.