If you thought skateboard decks were already expensive, things might get worse. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on wood could send prices soaring, making everything from construction materials to your next setup more costly.
Economists at the Peterson Institute of International Economics have been crunching the numbers, and it’s not looking good.
The plan includes a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on everything else.
With the majority of skateboards being made in China, Mexico and Canada, skateboarding distributors might struggle to keep costs low, manage supply chain disruptions, and maintain steady inventory levels as tariffs drive up production expenses.
Since the U.S. relies heavily on imported wood, about $50 billion worth annually - the extra costs will add up fast.
According to reports, estimates suggest at least a $25 billion increase in wood prices alone, with low-income consumers feeling the impact the most.
The biggest hit? Chinese plywood and Canadian wood. Tariffs on those could more than double in some cases, making it pricier for manufacturers who rely on imported materials. Like those pressing and shaping skateboard decks.
China, which trades over $10 billion in forest products with the U.S., isn’t waiting around.
The Chinese government has already started taking steps to protect its economy from a possible trade war, pledging to stabilize markets and prepare for disruptions.
For skateboarders, that could mean paying more for decks, especially if domestic wood prices shoot up. So if you’ve been eyeing a new setup, you might want to grab it before prices climb.