Tariffs threaten anime conventions and artists – The Pacer

On Feb. 4, 2025, President Donald Trump set forth a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.

The real issue began on Feb. 12 when he suspended and then reinstated a trade provision that allowed products from China under $800 to be shipped to the United States without having to pay import taxes. This came to a head when he put a pause on his administration’s repeal and caused packages to pile up in US customs. 

Vendors who sell merchandise at anime conventions now have a new 30 percent tariff on Chinese goods, making it harder to bring in figurines and other collectables from Asia that fans love. Anime conventions typically draw a younger crowd, mostly ages 16 to 26, and many attendees are college students.

With the prices of convention tickets and products sold in dealers’ rooms rising, it’s becoming much more difficult for students and young adults to attend these conventions. For those who have never heard of dealers’ rooms at conventions, they are usually the people who have imported goods from China and Japan who do resells to make a living. 

Chris Jordan, a convention attendee of over nine years, said, “The tariffs have already definitely begun to affect convention ticket prices and the dealers’ rooms. I’ve seen the prices skyrocket over the years I’ve been going.” 

Several vendors have complained about the high cost of booking table spots in convention halls. Standard artists have a hard time making the money back to pay for the table rent, while people in the dealers’ rooms are selling figurines and foreign candy and are now struggling to make the money for the imported items. 

Claire Kobes, professional cosplayer and UT Martin alumna, said, “The cost of trinkets going up is because of the cost of tables at these conventions going up. They’re trying to make it worth their while and if they don’t sell enough, it’s difficult to be there. It’s difficult to justify buying one of those expensive figures from the dealer’s rooms because you can always find it somewhere cheaper.”

Vendors functioning from the dealers’ rooms are not only struggling with the tariffs rising for the figures they are selling, but are also having a hard time making back the money for the tables they are renting. The rise in tariffs is making the anime convention experience more difficult for those on a budget to attend and participate in their hobbies. 

As Kobes said, “Support your local artists and spend only within your means. Don’t let tariffs stand in the way of your hobbies.”