Stonemaier Games Takes a Stand: Lawsuit Filed Against Trump’s Tariffs

In a move that has reverberated throughout the board game industry, Stonemaier Games, the acclaimed publisher behind the wildly popular game Wingspan, has announced its decision to pursue legal action challenging the tariffs imposed on goods imported from China.

The company outlined its position in a recent blog post, highlighting the significant financial strain these tariffs have placed on its operations and the wider community of board game publishers. Expressing a firm resolve, Stonemaier Games stated it would “not stand idly by” while the economic well-being of numerous small businesses and contractors across the United States is “treated like pawns in a political game.”

According to the Stonemaier Games team, their current predicament stems from production orders placed in China before the implementation of the tariffs. Now, facing a staggering 145% tariff on imported goods from the country, the publisher is confronting what it describes as “an unprecedented $14.50 tariff tax for every $10” spent on manufacturing with its established partner.

This unforeseen levy translates to nearly $1.5 million in unexpected tariff payments for Stonemaier Games. The company emphasized that this substantial cost is unsustainable and cannot be absorbed within their existing business model. While legal recourse was not their preferred solution, the imposition of the 145% tariff has created an untenable situation, leaving the company “compelled to take action” to safeguard its future.

Stonemaier Games also underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that it currently has a substantial inventory awaiting shipment from Shenzhen, China. This includes 200,000 units of reprinted games and 50,000 units of their upcoming title, Vantage, along with related accessories. These fully manufactured products are ready for sale but remain in a state of limbo due to the tariffs.

The lawsuit filed by Stonemaier Games signals a growing resistance within the business community to the impact of these tariffs and raises critical questions about their broader economic consequences for American companies and consumers. It remains to be seen how this legal challenge will unfold and what implications it will have for the board game industry and international trade relations.