# Tabletop Game Companies Roll the Dice, Suing Trump Over Tariff Hikes

## Tabletop Game Companies Roll the Dice, Suing Trump Over Tariff Hikes

A coalition of tabletop game companies, along with other small American businesses, has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and his administration, challenging the tariffs imposed on goods imported from China. The lawsuit, filed in the US Court of International Trade, argues that the tariffs are “unlawful and unconstitutional” and are significantly impacting the plaintiffs’ ability to operate.

The tabletop game companies involved in the suit include Stonemaier Games, known for the popular game Wingspan, Spielcraft Games, Rookie Mage Games, XYZ Game Labs, and Tinkerhouse. These companies, like many others in the industry, rely on manufacturing in China to keep costs down. The 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods are proving to be a substantial financial burden.

The lawsuit details the specific financial impact on each company. Stonemaier Games, for instance, anticipates paying millions in tariffs on imported goods already ready for shipment. Spielcraft Games has already paid over $4,300 in tariffs for a single board game set imported this month. Rookie Mage Games has paid over $3,100 in tariffs for imported products and expects to pay similar amounts on all future imports. XYZ Game Labs and Tinkerhouse both project “substantial tariffs” on upcoming and future imports.

Beyond tabletop games, other plaintiffs in the case include Princess Awesome, a clothing company, and Mischief Toy Store, a toy store based in Saint Paul, MN. The lawsuit adds to the growing legal opposition to the tariffs. Just a day prior, 12 states also sued the Trump administration, with New York Attorney General Letitia James denouncing the tariffs as “unlawful.”

The situation echoes concerns voiced by Rick Woldenberg, CEO of toy company Learning Resources, who also sued over the tariffs, calling them “catastrophic.” This collective legal action highlights the growing frustration and financial strain felt by American businesses reliant on global trade.

Interestingly, despite the ongoing legal battles, there are signs that the tariffs might be reconsidered. Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration was contemplating reducing tariffs on China, potentially de-escalating the trade war. Whether this will come to fruition and alleviate the burden on these small businesses remains to be seen, making the outcome of this lawsuit all the more critical for the future of the tabletop game industry and beyond.