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Trading card hobby in Canada impacted by mounting trade war centred around U.S.

Apr 25, 2025 | 2:32 PM

MISSISSAUGA — The international trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump has complicated collecting trading cards in Canada.

Several facets of the hobby have been impacted by the shifting web of tariffs between Canada, China, and the United States.

Getting new packs of hockey, baseball, Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering cards into Canada is more expensive because they are printed in the United States and subject to retaliatory tariffs.

Supplies to protect and display cards, like thin plastic sleeves, are becoming harder to find because they are subject to two sets of duties — one as they enter the U.S. from China and then again when they are transported across the border into Canada.

It was a widely discussed topic at the Sport Card Expo Toronto today.

The show runs until Sunday at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., near Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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