Pickleball Equipment Price Surges Due to Tariff: The global tariff war, sparked by Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, is starting to impact the sport of pickleball. As China faces new tariffs from the U.S., pickleball equipment, including paddles, is seeing significant price hikes, with some products set to rise by as much as 145%.
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the world, has seen a surge in popularity, especially in China, where the sport is gaining traction in regions like the northeast. The JOOLA Legends Tour recently visited China, bringing tennis icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to cities like Shanghai. During the tour, Chinese and American students played pickleball in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
However, the trade war between the U.S. and China is now affecting the cost of pickleball equipment. China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods have led to sharp increases in paddle prices. For example, CRBN, a leading pickleball paddle maker in California, warned that its prices could rise by 145% due to the tariffs. This price increase would push the cost of a CRBN paddle from $230 to $333.50.
Small Businesses Feel the Pressure
CRBN, a family-owned business, shared their concerns about the tariffs. “As a small, family-run business, the financial impact is very real,” the company said on Instagram. “The hardest part isn’t just the added cost—it’s the uncertainty. Policies are changing fast and often without warning, which makes it nearly impossible to plan ahead or make meaningful adjustments with confidence.”
The company also emphasized that it would not raise prices immediately, despite the rising costs. “We won’t make any knee-jerk decisions. Right now, we have no plans to raise prices on paddles or any other CRBN products. But if the costs keep rising, price increases may become necessary down the line,” CRBN explained.
China’s Growing Pickleball Market
Outside of North America, China has become an important hub for pickleball, with a growing demand for paddles and equipment. As the sport continues to expand in the country, more players are looking to join the pickleball community, which has created a booming market for sporting goods.
However, the increased cost of U.S. goods due to the tariff war is creating a challenging environment for both players and businesses. The price hike could put pressure on both manufacturers and consumers, limiting access to the sport for some players, especially in countries where prices are already high.
Future of Pickleball in a Changing Trade Landscape
The ongoing trade conflict between the U.S. and China will continue to impact various industries, including sports. The pickleball community may face further challenges as tariffs and trade policies shift. For now, players and businesses like CRBN are hoping for more clarity and stability to navigate these uncertain times.
News in Brief: Pickleball Equipment Price Surges Due to Tariff
The U.S.-China tariff war is raising pickleball equipment prices. China’s retaliatory tariffs have led to a 145% price hike on paddles. Businesses like CRBN, a family-owned company, are struggling with the added costs and uncertainty, impacting manufacturers and players. The sport’s global growth may be slowed by these rising costs.
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