Global Tariff War Threatens Pickleball Paddle Prices with CRBN Founder Standing Firm

by Joe James

What’s the Score?

The global sporting goods industry is beginning to feel the effects of the escalating tariff war, particularly between the U.S. and China.

Tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 triggered a stock market crash and have left the global economy in a tailspin.

With many economists suggesting a global recession is imminent, pickleball has not been able to escape the fallout from ‘Liberation Day’.

The new tariffs on imported goods from China, where many pickleball paddles, including leading brands like CRBN, are manufactured, have increased costs by up to 145%.

Garrett Gosselin, the founder of CRBN, acknowledged these “real challenges” and given that the company is a “small, family-run business, the financial impact is very real”.

The California-based brand, despite the ever-changing news, has said it is business as usual.

Still, increases in pricing can’t be ruled out indefinitely, and transparency will be maintained with customers.

Gosselin emphasised the commitment to its customers, team and the sport, stating their commitment “will never change”.

A price increase in America remains a possibility, but the Asian market stands to gain if manufacturers like CRBN can ship directly, bypassing the high tariffs.

With so much uncertainty, CRBN have remained steadfast in not retreating in the face of adversity but rather facing the challenges openly and head-on.

Hit it deeper!

Founded in 2021, CRBN launched with a minimalist aesthetic and a no-nonsense performance promise.

It quickly carved out a niche in a crowded paddle market with its thermoformed paddles that balance spin, pop, and control, all wrapped in carbon fibre. The company’s flagship CRBN-1 and CRBN-2 models, retailing around $230, have earned rave reviews from elite and recreational players.

But now, as the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office investigates broadening tariffs to include more Chinese-made products, with tariffs across sectors ranging from up to 3,251% on Southeast Asian solar panels as a ridiculous example, CRBN might face a steep increase in production costs that could turn their business model upside down.

If the 145 per cent price increase takes effect, the new price of a CRBN paddle will be $333.50.

China currently accounts for over 70% of U.S. paddle imports. While exact sourcing data is guarded, industry insiders suggest CRBN may be among the brands partially reliant on Chinese carbon composites and paddle moulds.

Contingency plans will be essential, and CRBN may have to look elsewhere to diversify its supply chain, while also avoiding extortionate tariffs. Despite other Southeast Asian countries facing steep hikes, looking at manufacturing in Vietnam and Thailand could be an alternative. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) recently reported a 22% rise in U.S. sporting goods imports from Vietnam in 2024.

The World Pickleball Verdict

The turbulent times we live in are made even more turbulent by a political figure like Donald Trump exercising the power he does…and doesn’t have. In this case, the tariffs, which have been criticised and exposed as seemingly oversimplistic and lacking common sense, have completely derailed geopolitics and the global economy.

For a sport in its early stages but experiencing massive growth, this is a big blow to its development and is forcing manufacturers to rethink their business models.

It is admirable that CRBN are standing firm, yet if the tariffs do come to fruition and a paddle costs $333.50, regardless of reputation or quality, that price point alienates a lot of customers. Unless you are pro or a passionate player, you will fork out that much with the world in this economic state.

Asian consumers may benefit and be able to pick up paddles for a cheaper price, in turn giving more players better equipment, which is, of course, great for the game.

A 145% tariff is absurd, and the world right now seems to find more ways to make you rub your eyes in disbelief, but for now, this is a legitimate possibility. Economists, business owners, and normal people, as well as those in the pickleball world, are all holding their collective breath.

It remains to be seen where we go next, but in moments like these, sport can be a beautiful outlet. Pickleball’s welcoming and encouraging community, as well as its accessibility, will hopefully prevail over much of the darkness and uncertainty in the world.