Ever noticed prices creeping up on your favorite board games? It’s not just inflation—U.S. tariffs on imports from mainland China are playing a big role. These extra taxes, introduced a few years back, apply a surcharge on goods produced in mainland China. That means components like custom dice, game boards and miniatures are suddenly pricier to bring into the U.S. and beyond, including South and Southeast Asia.
Tabletop game manufacturers and indie creators often rely on factories in mainland China for high-quality printing and production. When tariffs go up, those costs ripple down the supply chain, squeezing margins for small studios and driving up retail prices for players.
Game cafes in cities like Bangalore, Jakarta and Manila are feeling the pinch too—higher import costs for Carrom boards, strategy hits like Catan and collectible card games translate to more expensive menu bundles and membership fees. Some cafes are even considering locally made alternatives or scaling back on imports to keep prices stable.
What can you, the savvy gamer, do? Support local designers who produce games closer to home, organize group orders to share shipping costs or look out for digital versions and print-and-play options to stretch your gaming budget. Community-driven initiatives can be a fun way to discover hidden gems without breaking the bank.
While trade tensions and tariffs continue to reshape the tabletop scene, passionate players and creators are finding creative ways to keep the dice rolling. 🎲💡
Reference(s):
How U.S. tariffs could be crushing your favorite board games
cgtn.com
