On March 13, 2025, a 25% tariff officially took effect on products classified as “playing cards”—a move that’s shaking up the trading card game (TCG) market in Canada. This policy has far-reaching consequences for iconic franchises like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, especially as we head into a season of highly anticipated set releases. Below, we break down how these tariffs amplify existing shortages, highlight the effect on both modern and vintage Pokémon collecting, and share how our store is adapting via alternative hobbies and community-driven events.
(Want deeper insight from our store owners? Watch our in-depth YouTube discussion on the 25% Tariff & TCG Shortages.)
Understanding the 25% Tariff on TCG Products
Historically, TCGs didn’t fall under the same “playing cards” umbrella as standard poker decks. However, new regulations and the United States Tariff War now group them together, triggering a 25% import charge on Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and other card-based games that pass through U.S. distribution channels. Because many TCG publishers and distributors route products through the United States before it reaches Canada, retailers here face increased wholesale costs—which then spill over into higher prices for collectors and players.
What’s NOT Affected?
Bandai TCGs like One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, and Union Arena are not routed through the United States
Yu-Gi-Oh! (published by Konami) also sidesteps these tariffs.
Flesh and Blood and Altered, both printed in France, remain tariff-exempt since they’re not routed through U.S. ports.
Pokémon TCG: Why Demand Is Skyrocketing—and Supply Isn’t Keeping Up
Scarlet & Violet Era: Major Releases and Nostalgia
Pokémon 151 and Prismatic Evolutions
These sets are fueling a new wave of Pokémon mania, bringing back classic characters and introducing fresh mechanics. Nostalgia is running hot, and longtime fans are returning in droves—just as new players hop on board.
Scarlet & Violet’s Second-Half Boom
Historically, the latter half of a generation tends to produce some of the most sought-after chase cards. As rumors swirl around Destined Rivals, hot releases in Surging Sparks, Prismatic Evolutions and Journey Together, demand shows no sign of slowing.
Product Shortages & Allocation Limits
Distributors spread limited stock across countless stores—all receiving only a fraction of what they order. With a 25% tariff now baked into supply costs, it’s more challenging than ever for retailers to keep prices competitive and products readily available.
Scalpers, Bots, and the “Playing Card” Tariff: A Perfect Storm
When supply is already tight and hype is off the charts, scalpers have ample opportunity. They leverage automated bot software to buy out online listings the moment they go live, then flip new sealed products at inflated secondary-market prices.
The 25% tariff further boosts scalper profit margins as market prices increase, prompting even more aggressive tactics. In our YouTube video, we explain how community-driven solutions—like lottery systems—aim to counter bots and give genuine collectors a fair shot.
Magic: The Gathering — Also Feeling the Pinch
Although Magic: The Gathering doesn’t face the same extreme shortages as Pokémon, it’s not entirely free of tariff-related pains. Recent and upcoming sets—like Tarkir Dragon Storm and Edge of Eternities — are still distributed through U.S. channels, meaning they may carry higher price tags if those goods incur the “playing card” tariff. Shops must balance these additional costs against limited consumer budgets and rising global printing expenses. Meanwhile, Magic's Final Fantasy —printed in Japan—dodges the tariff altogether, but skyrocketing demand for its newest expansions means the product can still be tough to find.
Our Store’s Response: Lottery Releases, Diversifying Hobbies, and Community Events
Lottery System for High-Demand SetsFor items like Journey Together (Pokémon TCG) or other ultra-popular new sets, we employ a random draw to ensure real players and local collectors get a fair chance. It’s not perfect, but it curtails bot usage and prevents overselling small allocations.
Escaping “playing card” tariffs altogether, we’ve ramped up Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, and Gundam Model Kits (Gunpla). These offer deep worlds, custom builds, and no extra 25% import fees. We've also seen an increase of popularity in the Bandai space of One Piece, Dragonball and Union Arena.
We continue hosting Pokémon TCG leagues, Friday One Piece and Union Arena, Sunday Magic, Monday Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments, and other weekly local events. Although allocations may be smaller for games hit by tariffs, we remain dedicated to providing a vibrant in-store community, including casual and competitive play opportunities.
Coping Strategies: Wait It Out, Switch Gears, or Expand Your Horizons
With the 25% tariff, scalper/supply fuelled shortages, and natural TCG hype driving prices, many players and collectors feel overwhelmed. Here’s how some are handling it:
Sit Out Modern
Some fans are pausing their modern TCG purchases until reprints or policy changes settle the market.
Explore Vintage Pokémon
Vintage sets offer nostalgia without the chaotic speculation plaguing modern expansions. Interestingly, vintage has not seen as aggressive price volatility compared to modern chase cards.
TCG Alternatives
For those looking to avoid the new import fees or simply explore different corners of the TCG world, there’s good news: several other card games remain tariff-free and offer fresh gameplay experiences. By branching out into these tariff-free titles, collectors and players can still enjoy the thrill of discovering new cards, building decks and participating in our local events and tournaments without worrying about sudden price spikes.
Bandai TCG - One Piece, Dragon Ball Super and Union Arena
Try Alternative Hobbies
Warhammer, Gunpla, and tabletop RPGs dodge the “playing card” classification, letting you enjoy gaming without tariff markups.
Check our our weekly locals and special events here!
Stay Informed
Check official publisher announcements (e.g., Pokémon International, Wizards of the Coast), track new set reveals on social media, and join our Discord for restock alerts or community tips.
Connect with Us on Discord and YouTube
Join Our Discord
Stay updated on supply drops, upcoming events, and hobby discussions (whether it’s vintage Pokémon, Warhammer tips, or the latest MTG expansions). Our moderators, store team, and fellow enthusiasts are ready to help you navigate these turbulent times.
Watch Our YouTube Breakdown
Want the full story on how tariffs and supply constraints affect our store and customers? Head to our channel for an in-depth talk about the “playing card” tariff, scalper issues, and how we’re responding to keep the community thriving:
25% Tariff & TCG Shortages Video
Riding the Tariff Wave Together
The March 13 introduction of the 25% “playing cards” tariff arrived just as Pokémon’s late Scarlet & Violet sets ramp up, nostalgia for Pokémon 151 soars, and Magic fans anticipate major expansions. Meanwhile, Bandai TCGs (One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Union Arena), Yu-Gi-Oh!, Flesh and Blood, and Altered remain unaffected. Whether you’re sticking with Pokémon, dabbling in other TCGs, pivoting to vintage collectibles, or exploring non-tariff hobbies like Warhammer, remember the heart of the hobby is about shared enthusiasm and community.
We aim to support that passion by offering fairness, alternative options, and a welcoming atmosphere—no matter what curveballs the TCG market throws our way.
