Hey fellow gamers,
Big news has hit the global stage, and it’s something that could directly impact our beloved tabletop hobbies. On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a series of sweeping tariffs, dubbing the day “Liberation Day.” These tariffs impose a baseline 10% duty on nearly all imported goods, with certain countries facing even steeper rates—China, for instance, is looking at a total tariff of 54% when combined with previous duties.
Now, you might be wondering, “How does this affect my wargaming and painting supplies?” Let’s break it down.
Impact on Wargaming Miniatures
Many of our favorite miniatures are produced overseas. Companies like Games Workshop, based in the UK, manufacture a significant portion of their products domestically. With the UK’s imports now subject to a 10% tariff, we might see a modest increase in prices for these miniatures. However, some of their accessories and terrain pieces are produced in China, which means those items could see more substantial price hikes due to the combined 54% tariff. Don’t forget that the tariffs apply to manufacturing cost not retail so don’t expect a straight, one-to-one impact.
Other popular miniature companies, such as Corvus Belli (Infinity) and Freecompany (Eldfall Chronicles), rely on Chinese manufacturers like Unicool for their PVC resin miniatures. These products will likely experience significant price increases, potentially making it more expensive for us to expand our armies.
Painting Supplies and Hobby Accessories
When it comes to painting our miniatures, many of us turn to trusted brands like The Army Painter, Vallejo, and Citadel. The Army Painter, for example, is a Danish company, and their products will now face at least a 10-25% tariff upon entering the U.S. Similarly, Vallejo, based in Spain, will encounter the same tariff rate. Citadel paints, produced by Games Workshop in the UK, will also be subject to the 10% duty. These added costs may lead to noticeable price increases on paints, brushes, and other essential hobby supplies.
What This Means for Us
In essence, these tariffs are likely to make our hobbies more expensive. The increased costs on imported miniatures, paints, and accessories may be passed down to us, the consumers. This could mean higher prices on new releases, restocks, and even the staples we’ve come to rely on.
It’s tempting to think, “Well, I buy American-made products,” or “I 3D print my models anyway.” But here’s the thing: the entire hobby ecosystem is interconnected. Distributors are going to see tighter margins. Game stores will struggle to stock high-tariff products. Crowdfunded projects with production in China will suddenly cost a lot more than expected—months after you backed them.
Even 3D printers and resin are mostly imported from China. So unless you’re living off-grid with a 3D printer made in Ohio and resin bottled in a barn, you’re going to feel it too.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate outlook suggests rising costs, it’s essential to stay informed and support our local gaming communities. Consider purchasing from local game stores (FLGS) to help them navigate these changes. Additionally, exploring domestically produced alternatives where possible may be prudent.
Remember, the wargaming community is resilient. By staying connected, sharing resources, and supporting one another, we can continue to enjoy the games and hobbies we love, even in the face of economic shifts.
Happy gaming, and may your dice roll true!
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
