Pokémon TCG News: U.S. Tariffs Threaten Card Prices + Journey Together Week One Recap

Big moves in both politics and the Pokémon TCG scene have collectors watching closely. This week, new U.S. import tariffs targeting goods from Japan could send shockwaves through the Pokémon card market. Meanwhile, after just one week on shelves, the newly released Journey Together expansion shows standout market performance.

Let's break down how these global headlines and community-driven trends might impact your collection and wallet.

 

New U.S. Tariffs Could Push Pokémon Card Prices Higher

On April 2, 2025, U.S. leadership introduced a new global tariff policy, slapping a 24% import tariff on goods from Japan, including trading cards. Pokémon cards—many of which are still printed and packaged in Japan—will likely see rising prices on both Japanese exclusives and imported sealed products.

🧾 Quick Breakdown:

• 📦 Japanese Pokémon products will cost more to import
• 🛒 Retailers may raise prices on Japanese singles, promos, or sealed sets
• 🪪 PSA has already paused international submissions to limit fees for card grading

🔗 Japan Times: Trump's Tariff Plan Explained

🔗 The Verge: PSA Suspends Non-U.S. Submissions

If you buy Japanese Pokémon cards or submit them for grading, this is a good time to reassess your strategy.

Related: Learn how pricing shifted earlier this year in our TCG market trends report.

 

Journey Together: First Week Market Winners

The newest expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series, Journey Together, was officially released on March 28, and its first week has been filled with excitement, product scarcity, and hot chase cards.

🎯 Top Selling Cards (Week One):

• Clefairy (Lylia's Edition) Special Illustration Rare (#184) – Trending around $220 on TCGPlayer
• Zacian ex (Paul's Edition) – Holding strong near $100, proving playable and collectible
• Miraidon ex (N's Edition) – Early listings are substantial, and some are expecting a competitive impact

🔗 TCGPlayer: Weekly Movers & Shakers

💬 Collector Sentiment: Many buyers compare the pull rates to Crown Zenith, noting that Journey Together feels more rewarding overall.

🔗 Reddit Discussion: Pull Rate Feedback

Related: Check our entire Journey Together launch recap and breakdown here.

 

What Collectors Should Do Next

Whether you're investing in graded vintage cards, ripping sealed boxes, or building a modern deck, here are some tips for navigating this evolving landscape:

✅ Watch Market Prices: Tariffs may cause ripple effects—especially on Japanese cards. Expect slower imports and higher prices on exclusives.

✅ Grade Carefully: PSA and other grading services may revise their submission rules or pass along added costs. Now's a good time to submit domestic cards.

✅ Lock in Journey Together Singles: Some cards are still underpriced while supply is high—shop now before prices catch up.

Related: Our last blog covered Journey Together's chaotic launch and how it affected pricing early on. Read it here.

 

Final Thoughts: Global Shifts, Local Impacts

From new tariffs to booming sales, 2025 is shaping to be one of the most dynamic years in Pokémon TCG history. If you're a collector or competitive player, staying informed is your best strategy.

🔥 Shop Journey Together singles and sealed boxes now at Qd's Cardshop 🔥

Note: Pricing and tariff information is accurate as of April 3, 2025. Always check official sources and marketplace data before making purchases.