If you have noticed American board game communities in a state of collective anxiety lately, here is why: US tariffs on goods manufactured in China have climbed to 145%, and a huge share of the board game industry manufactures there. For US gamers, that means prices are going up and some publishers are pausing development entirely.
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Find events near youThe numbers are significant. According to Bitewing Games, production costs for a typical game have roughly doubled. A US$39 game could see around US$4 in additional tariff costs per unit, and that is before retailers add their markup. Stonemaier Games has published detailed breakdowns showing the maths behind the price hikes, while Cardboard Edison reports that publishers are reducing print runs and delaying new titles. Across the industry, some companies have announced layoffs.
Here is the upside for UK buyers. The tariffs are specifically a US import tax. As of early April 2026, the cost to sell games outside the US has not increased, and several publishers have confirmed they are routing more inventory to European and UK distribution centres. Bitewing Games, for example, ships directly from manufacturing hubs to international customers without any tariff surcharge. For crowdfunding backers in the UK, this could mean better value compared to US buyers, as publishers absorb the tariff hit domestically but keep international pricing stable.
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Set up your group for freeThe long-term concern is that fewer games being developed, smaller print runs, and some indie publishers folding will eventually thin out the range of titles reaching UK shelves. But right now, buying games in Britain means you are in a stronger position than your American friends. UK-friendly specialists like Zatu and Chaos Cards, two of the larger independent games retailers in the country, remain well-stocked and competitively priced.
Sources: Bitewing Games | Stonemaier Games | Cardboard Edison | Goonhammer | BoardGameWire
