For many in the Blerd community, technology isn’t just a luxury—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s gaming, anime streaming, content creation, or sneaker culture, tech plays a massive role in how we engage with our favorite hobbies. But with new tariffs on tech imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, the cost of everything from gaming consoles to laptops—and even Funko Pops—could be on the rise.

While tariffs have been used in the past to regulate trade, they often lead to price increases for consumers. The latest round of import taxes—ranging from 20% to 25%—could make it more expensive to stay up to date with the latest gadgets, collectibles, and sneakers.

Gaming Just Got More Expensive

Let’s be real—gaming isn’t a cheap hobby to begin with. Between consoles, accessories, and games themselves, the costs can add up quickly. Now, with tariffs on tech imports, things might get even worse.

Consoles & Accessories

China supplies a significant percentage of the components used in PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. These parts are now subject to new tariffs, which could lead to price hikes across the board. If you’ve been saving up for a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, you might want to grab one sooner rather than later.

The same goes for accessories—controllers, headsets, keyboards, and even gaming chairs could see price increases, making it harder to upgrade your setup without breaking the bank.

PC Gaming & Streaming Equipment

For PC gamers and content creators, things could get even trickier. China is a leading supplier of graphics cards, motherboards, and processors. With tariffs on tech hitting these imports, the cost of building or upgrading a gaming PC could rise significantly.

For streamers, equipment like cameras, microphones, and lighting rigs—many of which are made in China—are also affected. If you’re looking to start or upgrade your streaming setup, you might have to factor in some extra costs.

Anime & Streaming: Price Hikes Incoming?

For Blerds who binge-watch anime, tariffs on tech could impact the very devices we rely on. TVs, tablets, and laptops—all major imports from China—could become more expensive. This means whether you’re watching Crunchyroll, Netflix, or YouTube, your primary viewing screen might cost more than it did just months ago.

And let’s not forget about collectibles. Funko Pops, anime figures, and high-quality statues are largely manufactured in China, meaning price hikes are almost inevitable. If you’ve been waiting to grab that exclusive Funko or a limited-edition anime figure, you might want to secure it before prices jump.

Sneaker Culture & Wearable Tech

Sneakerheads may also feel the effects of these tariffs. Over half of all sneakers sold in the U.S. are made in China, meaning brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma could see price hikes.

If you’re someone who camps out for sneaker drops or builds a collection of rare kicks, expect retail prices to rise. Even resale prices on platforms like StockX and GOAT could see an increase as tariffs drive up demand for pre-existing inventory.

Wearable tech like smartwatches and wireless earbuds—whether it’s an Apple Watch or the latest fitness tracker—could also see a bump in cost.

Looking at Past Tariffs: What to Expect

History has shown that tariffs on tech and other imports usually result in higher prices for consumers. Take the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from past years, which led to increased production costs for automobiles and even canned beverages (MSN). The pattern is clear—when companies face higher import costs, they often pass them down to buyers.

Ways to Work Around the Tariffs

With the rise of tariffs on tech, now might be the best time to invest in the gear you need before prices go up. Here are a few ways to prepare:

Buy Now, Not Later – If you’ve been waiting on a new console, laptop, or Funko Pop, consider making that purchase before prices adjust.
Shop on Online Marketplaces – Websites like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace could help you find items that are already in the U.S., allowing you to avoid extra costs from newly tariffed imports.
Look for Alternative Brands – Some brands source parts from non-tariffed regions, so shopping around could save you money.
Support Local & Indie Creators – Whether it’s gaming, comics, or anime merch, supporting independent creators and businesses can help mitigate some of the effects of rising import costs.

Opportunities for Resellers

For resellers, these tariffs present an opportunity. As major retailers adjust their prices to compensate for higher import costs, independent sellers on platforms like StockX, GOAT, eBay, and Mercari might be able to offer competitive prices on sneakers, gaming consoles, and collectibles. If you already own sought-after items, this could be the perfect time to list them for resale at rates that stores can’t match.

Final Thoughts

The Blerd lifestyle thrives on technology, gaming, anime, sneakers, and collectibles, and tariffs on tech could make it harder to enjoy our favorite hobbies without spending extra. While the full impact remains to be seen, one thing is clear—Funko Pops, gaming, streaming, and sneaker culture are all on the front lines of these new import taxes.

For now, staying informed, shopping smart, and taking advantage of resale opportunities are the best ways to keep your Blerd experience going strong, no matter what tariffs come our way.

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