by Kelly Campbell
The global economy is shifting, with tariffs in the spotlight. While many of President Trump’s proposed tariffs haven’t officially taken effect yet, businesses across the board are already preparing for potential ripple effects.
From supply chains to product pricing, industries are watching closely to see how trade policy could reshape their landscape––the pickleball industry is no exception. With many paddles, balls, and accessories imported from abroad, tariffs could affect everything from what’s on the shelves to how much players pay at checkout.
We’ll have to wait and see how much change will occur due to impending tariffs, but these policies will certainly shake things up in the pickleball world.
Tariff Trouble or Turning Point?
After just a few months back in office, President Trump has sparked global debate with his proposed trade policy. His economic plan includes sweeping tariffs on foreign goods in an effort to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and protect American manufacturing. These tariffs function like a tax on imported goods.
In response, some of our most prominent trade partners, most notably China and Canada, have imposed reciprocal tariffs, directly impacting U.S. consumers and businesses.
Supporters suggest tariffs will eventually boost the U.S. economy and be favorable for American manufacturers. Others argue that tariff costs will trickle down the supply chain from manufacturers to retailers and eventually consumers, increasing the cost of goods for all Americans.
Tariffs are coming, and whether good or bad, the pickleball world will feel it.
Potential Pickleball Price Hikes
Still crowned the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with nearly 50 million reported players in 2023, the pickleball industry is now a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse. The pickleball market was estimated at $1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to climb to over $4 billion by 2033. Equipment is the leading product type at 41.5%.
Most pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories are manufactured overseas, and tariffs will directly impact their costs. JOOLA, one of the most well-known pickleball companies, makes their paddles in China. Even American-made companies like Selkirk source some materials from other countries. Should we brace for paddle price hikes?
Reciprocal tariffs by other countries could also pose a threat to the pickleball industry, particularly U.S. paddle retailers. Canadian pickleballers get the majority of their pickleball gear from U.S. companies; tariff-related price increases could change that. U.S. companies could suffer as a result.
Here are just some of the ways that pickleballers could feel the tariff effect:
Price increases: Whether from the cost of imported equipment, raw materials (like graphite and fiberglass) for U.S.-made gear, or packaging and shipping costs, we can expect to see some increased costs due to tariffs. These will likely trickle down from distributors to retailers to pickleball players as small companies suffer to bear added costs.
Athletic clothing: The cost of athletic clothing (not just pickleball-specific gear) will likely rise due to the costs of overseas manufacturing.
Inflation: Outside of the pickleball industry specifically, tariffs could drastically influence the economy. If consumer costs across the board rise, discretionary spending on sports and recreation may take a hit, directly affecting pickleball spending.
- Canadian pickleballers, for example, are increasingly concerned about pickleball price hikes as they source pickleball gear from the U.S., now threatened by tariffs.
- For business owners: Tariffs could decrease international revenue for U.S. retailers as foreign pickleballers spend their dollars elsewhere for cheaper gear. This could change the global pickleball market and shift primary pickleball production to non-U.S.-based companies.
- For players and overall growth: With the U.S. being the primary global pickleball hotspot, tariffs could decrease pickleball accessibility and inhibit overall pickleball growth.
Could Tariffs Serve Up Success?
Despite growing concern about the tariffs’ impact on the pickleball industry, there are a lot of reasons to believe that they won’t slow down growth or could provide further opportunities for American business owners.
Opportunities for U.S. Retailers:
- U.S. companies may have a competitive edge in the age of tariffs, especially if their paddle prices are unaffected. Paddletek, for example, sources and manufactures their product on U.S. soil.
- Made in U.S.A. branding: Brands who adapt to tariffs by bringing manufacturing to the U.S. could benefit from national quality perception aligned with “Made in U.S.A” products.
- Domestic Supply Chain shift: Tariffs could motivate brands to source materials and labor locally to avoid costs—potentially shortening delivery times and reducing dependency on overseas factories.
Pickleball industry strength: Pickleball is in an exceptional position as it is and should be strong enough to withstand and adapt to incoming changes due to tariffs.
Pickleball’s price point: Pickleball has always been a relatively cheap sport. Even if prices increase, goods will remain affordable for the average consumer, compared to sports gear for other sports.
Paddle certification: Paddles must be certified before tournament play, a formality that could keep U.S. products in demand despite lower prices elsewhere.
Material diversification: U.S. retailers have already begun exploring different foreign markets for their pickleball materials, and they can continue to do so strategically. Instead of sourcing all materials from one country, they can avoid heavy tariff fees by acquiring resources from multiple origins. Diverse sourcing will allow companies to stay flexible with pricing and reduce the risk of supply chain disruption.
Pickleball Industry Outlook
For better or for worse, there’s no denying that the “trade war” and tariffs could shake up the pickleball industry. We must ride out any changes together, support pickleball business owners, and hope for a positive outcome.
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