Tabletop Game Publisher Is Very Publicly Suing Trump Administration Over Tariffs

by

Today, Stonemaier Games, a well-known U.S. board game manufacturer behind games like Wingspan, has declared on its blog that they are planning to take legal action against the current Trump administration due to tariffs. They will be part of a larger group of companies filing a lawsuit, aiming at these tariffs. According to Stonemaier Games, these tariffs could cost them approximately $1.5 million in extra payments.

Due to a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, Stonemaier is now paying an additional $14.50 for every $10 they previously spent on manufacturing games made with their Chinese partner, most of which were orders placed prior to Trump’s presidency. In the coming months, as they prepare to launch a new game, Vantage, Stonemaier finds themselves in a difficult situation.

The business has devised strategies for dealing with tariffs. These strategies involve transporting goods directly from China to other nations, while a significant portion of sales, amounting to 35%, occur outside the U.S. Currently, stock intended for the American market is being kept in China. This is done in anticipation that tariffs might decrease before shipping becomes necessary. However, when games are not available, the company, Stonemaier, has decided to import as usual and bear most of the additional costs from the tariff, which significantly increases their expenses. This move is aimed at reducing the effects on distributors, retailers, and consumers.

In relation to the upcoming title Vantage, Stonemaier expressed that he has invested an extensive amount of time ensuring affordability, and he won’t allow a single individual with excessive power to obstruct his commitment to his customers. He mentioned that the tariffs might cause minor adjustments in the US pricing, but the strategy is to maintain the primary price for customers and offer them the choice to cover the tariff expense at checkout. At present, Vantage will solely be accessible through Stonemaier’s direct sales channel, as tariffs influence plans for broader distribution.

The blog concludes by expressing gratitude for having a cushion during these challenging times at Stonemaier Games, while also empathizing with numerous other small businesses – both domestic and international – who are struggling due to their inability to finance imports of their products into the US.

The legal case in question hasn’t received extensive discussion yet, but what we do know is that the managing law firm now has an abundance of clients for this particular lawsuit, due to its capacity. The firm maintains an ongoing form to collect further evidence from small businesses and individual entrepreneurs who have been affected by the tariffs.

Read More

2025-04-23 15:40