The Ongoing Impact on Japanese Pokémon Cards (And What You Can Do About It)
If you’ve been following our blog, you’ve probably noticed a recurring theme: tariffs. And no, it’s not just because we like talking about taxes (trust us—we don’t). It’s because these policy shifts are actively reshaping the Pokémon card market, especially for collectors and buyers in the U.S.
This isn’t just a one-time event—it’s an ongoing issue that directly impacts your buying decisions, and we’re committed to keeping you in the loop.
🗓️ Previously, On Shop Complex...
In our recent blog post, Should You Buy Pokémon Cards Now? President Trump’s 90-Day Tariff Pause Explained, we broke down how the newly imposed tariffs were paused for 90 days, giving buyers and sellers a brief opportunity to avoid a looming 24% price hike on Japanese imports.
Before that, we explored how reprints and supply shifts in 2025 could collide with tariff-related price increases to create volatility across both Japanese and English Pokémon products.
So why are we still talking about it? Because this is still unfolding—and you need to know what’s coming next.
💼 What’s New This Week?
Here’s the updated picture:
- A 10% base tariff on all imports into the U.S. is now active
- A 24% additional tariff on goods from Japan (including trading cards) was announced
- On April 9, 2025, President Trump paused the 24% Japan-specific tariff for 90 days
- As of April 13, 2025, we’re in that pause window—but it ends in July 2025
If the full 34% tariff kicks in after the pause, prices on imported Japanese Pokémon products will rise significantly.
💸 How Will This Affect Prices?
Here’s a projected cost breakdown for Japanese products under different tariff scenarios:
| Product | Pre-Tariff Price | With 10% Tariff | With 34% Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booster Pack (avg $5.50) | $5.50 | ~$6.05 | ~$7.37 |
| Booster Box (avg $100) | $100 | $110 | $134 |
| Premium Box Sets ($150) | $150 | $165 | $201 |
These increases don’t account for added shipping costs, customs clearance, or final retail markup. In short: you will feel the difference.
🤔 Why Do We Keep Posting About Tariffs?
Because this matters to YOU.
We want to be as transparent as possible about the market forces that affect the products we sell. Our goal is to empower you to make informed buying decisions, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started.
We’re not just here to sell cards—we’re here to build a community that understands what’s happening behind the scenes. That’s why we continue to publish updates as policies change, and why this topic will keep appearing until the dust settles.
🛒 What You Can Do Right Now
✅ Take advantage of the tariff pause
We’re still in the 90-day window. Prices are holding steady for now, but that won’t last. If there’s a set you’ve had your eye on—Night Wanderer, Cyber Judge, 151—now’s the time to grab it before prices potentially spike this summer.
✅ Follow trusted sellers who stock early
At Shop Complex, we’ve been importing during the pause to help shield you from sudden price jumps. We’re staying ahead so you don’t get blindsided.
✅ Stay tuned
This is an evolving situation. If tariffs jump again, so will prices. But you’ll never be caught off guard—we’ll update you every step of the way.
📢 Why It All Comes Back to You
This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. We know how much this community loves the hobby. That’s why we’re keeping these updates front and center in our store blog.
If we know something, you’ll know it too.
Thanks for sticking with us, and for being part of a community that values knowledge, fairness, and some damn good pulls.
🛍️ Use code POKE10 for 10% off your first order — website only!
👉 Shop-Complex.com
— The Shop Complex Team