As U.S. Tariffs Surge, Will Asia Become The New Paddle Paradise?

Source: Pickleheads

A looming trade storm in the United States could have unexpected consequences for the global pickleball market—and Asia might just emerge as the unexpected beneficiary.

As U.S. tariffs escalate under former President Donald Trump’s revived trade policies, paddle brands that manufacture in China—including household names like CRBN, JOOLA, and Selkirk—are bracing for impact. With import costs reportedly spiking as high as 145%, the financial squeeze is particularly tight for smaller, independent companies like CRBN Pickleball.

But founder Garrett Gosselin is making one thing clear: CRBN intends to stand by its customers, even in the face of mounting uncertainty.

“The new tariffs on imported goods are creating real challenges for us as a small business, and we want to be transparent with you about how we’re navigating it,” Gosselin wrote in a recent message to CRBN subscribers. “Costs have increased by up to 145% as of this writing.”

These new trade policies could dramatically alter where and how pickleball paddles are priced around the world. For players in Asia, this might mean easier access to premium U.S. brands—at significantly lower costs than those paid by their American counterparts.

The reason is simple: U.S.-based brands like CRBN manufacture their paddles overseas. If those same paddles are sold directly to Asia, they avoid the costly U.S. import tariffs. The reverse, however, is not true. Paddles entering the U.S. from Chinese factories are now subject to steep fees—raising concerns about inevitable price hikes for American customers.

For now, Gosselin is holding the line.

“We have no plans to raise prices on paddles or any other CRBN products,” he stated. “We’re doing everything we can to hold steady.”

Still, the path forward is anything but clear. Gosselin acknowledged that the shifting regulatory environment makes it “nearly impossible to plan ahead or make meaningful adjustments with confidence.” He emphasized that while price increases aren’t on the immediate horizon, they may become necessary if tariffs continue to climb.

“We won’t make any knee-jerk decisions. That’s not who we are,” he wrote. “But if you’ve had your eye on something from CRBN, this may be a good time to lock in current pricing—just in case.”

From a global lens, the bigger question now is how other paddle brands will respond. Will more manufacturers begin prioritizing direct-to-consumer shipping to Asian markets? Could this tariff shake-up become a tailwind for pickleball’s rapid growth in Asia, where players are increasingly demanding premium gear?

At this stage, the situation remains fluid.

“Like many small businesses, we need clarity, consistency, and time to adjust. Unfortunately, those are luxuries we’re not being afforded right now,” Gosselin added.

Still, amidst all the volatility, one thing remains constant: CRBN’s dedication to the sport and its players. In a climate marked by unpredictability, that kind of loyalty stands out.