The US-Canada trade war has made collecting trading cards more expensive. Learn how tariffs on cards, supplies, and grading are affecting Canadian collectors and what you can do about it.
Key Takeaways
- 25% tariffs on US-printed cards like Upper Deck Ice, O-Pee-Chee Platinum, and The Cup are raising prices for Canadian collectors.
- Card grading costs have increased for Canadians submitting to US-based graders due to customs duties on both legs of shipping.
- Card supplies (sleeves, toploaders, cases) are harder to find and more expensive due to double tariffs (China to US, then US to Canada).
- PSA Canada opening in Mississauga helps collectors avoid some tariff costs by bundling submissions under temporary import bonds.
- Hobby shops are absorbing some costs but face margin pressure as the market will only bear certain price increases.
Understanding the Trade War Impact on Canadian Collectors
The trade war between the United States and Canada has complicated collecting trading cards north of the border. In March 2025, the US imposed tariffs on products imported from Canada, and Canada responded with 25% retaliatory tariffs on US goods — including many sports cards and hobby supplies.
For Canadian collectors, this means higher prices on cards printed in the US, increased costs for grading submissions, and shortages of essential card protection supplies. The impact is being felt by distributors, retailers, resellers, auction houses, and individual collectors across Canada.
Which Cards Are Affected by Tariffs?
Not all sports cards are subject to tariffs, but many premium products that Canadian collectors love are now more expensive:
US-Printed Hockey Cards (25% Tariff)
- Upper Deck Ice — Premium high-end hockey product
- O-Pee-Chee Platinum — Collectors' favorite retro-style set
- The Cup — Upper Deck's most expensive set (~$1,000/box)
- SP Authentic — Mid-tier premium product
Cards Printed in Canada (No Tariff)
- CHL Sets — Canadian Hockey League products
- Team Canada Juniors — National team releases
- Tim Hortons Promotional Sets — Canadian retail exclusives
The 2023-24 The Cup set, released in June 2025, was hit particularly hard. At approximately $1,000 for a six-card box, the 25% tariff adds $250 to the cost for Canadian collectors.
How Tariffs Affect Card Grading for Canadians
Card grading has been directly impacted by the trade barriers. PSA, the world's largest grading company, is based in California. While PSA has an office in Halifax, many Canadian collectors previously shipped cards to their California headquarters for easier submission processing, bulk pricing, and faster turnaround times.
With tariffs in place, shipping cards to the US for grading and back to Canada means paying duties on both legs of the journey. This has made grading significantly more expensive for Canadian collectors.
This policy change was directly related to the mounting trade barriers and the complexity of cross-border submissions during the tariff dispute.
Card Supplies Shortage and Price Increases
Perhaps the most frustrating impact for Canadian collectors is the shortage and price increase of card protection supplies. Many hobby supplies are manufactured in China and are subject to tariffs when entering the US, then again when shipped from US distributors to Canada.
Affected Supplies
- Thin plastic sleeves — Essential for raw card protection
- Toploaders — Rigid plastic holders for single cards
- Snap cases — Magnetic holders for graded cards
- Plastic sorting trays — Organization tools
- Puck holders — Display cases for hockey pucks
The double tariff structure (China to US, then US to Canada) has made these supplies harder to find and more expensive for Canadian hobby shops and collectors alike.
PSA Canada: A New Solution for Canadian Grading
In response to the tariff challenges, PSA officially opened a Canadian grading centre in Mississauga, Ontario in 2025. This facility allows Canadian collectors to submit cards for grading without dealing with customs or duties on individual shipments.
How PSA Canada Helps
- Bundled Submissions: Multiple collectors' cards are bundled under one temporary import bond, avoiding individual customs duties.
- Convenient Location: The Mississauga facility is across from Pearson Airport, accessible from across Canada.
- Authorized Partners: 16 pre-existing PSA partners across Canada continue to offer grading services.
- Sport Card Expo Access: The location is 10 minutes from the International Centre, home of Canada's largest sports card show.
The new PSA Canada grading centre means Canadians can submit trading cards, tickets, coins, card packs, and more for grading without the tariff costs that previously complicated cross-border submissions.
Strategies for Canadian Collectors in 2026
While the trade war has increased costs, Canadian collectors have developed strategies to continue enjoying the hobby:
Buy Canadian-Printed Products
Focus on CHL sets, Team Canada releases, and Tim Hortons promotional cards that aren't subject to US tariffs.
Use PSA Canada
Submit cards through the Mississauga facility or authorized Canadian partners to avoid cross-border tariff costs.
Stock Up on Supplies
Buy sleeves, toploaders, and cases in bulk from Canadian distributors to minimize per-unit costs and avoid frequent reordering.
Support Local Hobby Shops
Canadian hobby shops are absorbing some tariff costs to keep customers. Supporting them helps ensure the hobby remains accessible in Canada.
Future Outlook: Will Tariffs Be Lifted?
Industry observers are hopeful that the tariffs will be lifted as the US and Canadian governments negotiate. A new administration in Canada has increased chatter about resolving the trade dispute.
"The tariffs don't come out so much out of my pocket. I've absorbed some of the costs, but I can pass a lot of it on," said one Canadian hobby shop owner. "It definitely comes out of the stores' pockets. People will only pay so much for collectibles. Hobby shops are losing their margins because the market will only bear a certain price."
Despite the challenges, the hobby remains strong in Canada. "We're getting through it. The hobby is strong. People still love their sports cards, and Upper Deck is putting out some great hockey products," said another dealer. "But hopefully, tariffs will be gone soon, and the prices will shrink."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all sports cards subject to Canadian tariffs?
No — only cards printed in the United States are subject to the 25% retaliatory tariff. Cards printed in Canada, such as CHL sets, Team Canada Juniors, and Tim Hortons promotional sets, are not affected by the tariff.
How much more expensive is card grading for Canadians now?
Card grading costs have increased due to customs duties on both legs of shipping (Canada to US for grading, then back to Canada). The exact increase varies by submission size and value, but some collectors report 15-25% higher total costs compared to pre-tariff grading.
Can I still submit cards to PSA from Canada?
Yes — PSA opened a Canadian grading centre in Mississauga, Ontario in 2025. You can submit cards directly to this facility or through authorized PSA partners across Canada. This avoids the cross-border tariff complications that previously affected submissions.
Why are card supplies so expensive in Canada now?
Card supplies (sleeves, toploaders, cases) are manufactured in China and subject to tariffs when entering the US, then again when shipped from US distributors to Canada. This double tariff structure has created shortages and price increases for Canadian collectors.
Will the tariffs be lifted soon?
There is hope that tariffs will be lifted as the US and Canadian governments negotiate. A new Canadian administration has increased diplomatic chatter about resolving the trade dispute, but no timeline has been confirmed.
What Canadian-printed cards should I focus on collecting?
Focus on CHL (Canadian Hockey League) sets, Team Canada Juniors releases, and Tim Hortons promotional cards. These products are printed in Canada and not subject to US tariffs, making them more cost-effective for Canadian collectors in the current trade environment.
