The anime community in the United States is feeling the first tremors of a new trade disruption, as Good Smile Company, one of the most popular importers of Japanese anime figures and collectibles, has suspended pre-orders and delayed shipments to American customers. The announcement came via Good Smile USA’s Instagram , where the company cited “ongoing uncertainties” related to U.S. trade policy as the reason for the sudden halt. For many fans, this signals more than just inconvenience, it is a warning that their access to Japanese pop culture could be in real jeopardy.
At the heart of the disruption is a wave of tariffs driven by President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape U.S. manufacturing through aggressive trade measures, according to Unseen Japan. While many of the tariffs have since been walked back, the unpredictable nature of U.S. policy has caused ripples throughout global supply chains. Companies like Good Smile, which depend on reliable international logistics and tax-exempt thresholds for small shipments, are rethinking their operations. As a result, American anime fans, already dealing with rising costs, now face indefinite delays and uncertainty.
Good Smile Fans Are Left Hanging
U.S. Anime Fans Will Have a Hard Time Getting Their Hands on Good Smile Merch
Good Smile USA’s pause on new pre-orders and indefinite delay on shipments has caused an uproar among collectors. Popular for its Nendoroid and Figma figures based on beloved anime series, the retailer plays a central role in the U.S. anime merchandise scene. Now, fans are left wondering when, or if, they will receive items they have been waiting months for. Although the company has promised to customers whose orders are affected, many worry that continued trade instability could lead to outright cancellations or higher prices.
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Fueling the price fears is the suspension of the De Minimis exemption, which had allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. Because many Good Smile products are manufactured in China, the new rules mean even modest orders could be hit with import taxes. The company acknowledged the likelihood of rising costs and said it is monitoring the situation closely. Unfortunately, in the meantime, the silence in shipping notifications is only growing louder for U.S.-based collectors.
Industry-Wide Impact Looms Overhead
This Is Only the Start of the Tariff's Impact on Anime and Manga
Good Smile’s retreat may just be the beginning. Other Japanese pop culture exporters, including Bandai’s Tamashii Nations and Kotobukiya, are reportedly also reconsidering their U.S. shipping strategies. Retailers like USA Gundam Store have noted increased hesitancy from overseas suppliers, with some delaying product launches or rerouting inventory altogether. If more companies follow suit, American fans may soon face a full-blown scarcity of manga, imported figures, model kits, and other collectibles.
The tariff dispute is also echoing beyond anime. Japanese food producers and electronics exporters are bracing for broader impacts, worried that fluctuating rules will hinder U.S. partnerships just as trade relationships were beginning to deepen. Even Japan’s plans to import rice from the U.S. could be affected if new tariffs take effect. For the anime world, however, the immediate concern is clear, that unless policy stabilizes, the flow of plastic heroes and heroines into American homes may dry up entirely.
