Kickstarter has announced it is introducing a ‘Tariff Manager’ tool to help creators affected by Trump’s tariff rises. According to 404 Media, the Tariff Manager will enable certain creators to apply surcharges for individual items. This is only available to backers with a US-based address.
If backers don’t want to pay the surcharge, the creator can choose to either issue a refund or get back in touch to come up with an agreement that both sides agree on.
Many Kickstarter projects in the US manufacture their products in countries like China. Given that Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%, it’s unsurprising that creators are finding previously manageable projects priced out.
For example, Jamey Stegmaier is the co-founder of Stonemaier Games. Several of its games have been funded by Kickstarter, with manufacturing taking place in China.
“We now face a $14.50 tariff tax for every $10 we spent on manufacturing with our trusted long-term partner in China,” Stegmeir said in a blog post. “For Stonemaier Games, that amounts to upcoming tariff payments of nearly $1.5 million.”
In the post, he also announced that he would be suing Trump on the grounds that the tariff rise is unconstitutional.
What Did Kickstarter Say?
As for Kickstarter itself, the platform reiterated in an email exchange with 404 Media that it had creators’ backs.
“Creators continue to launch, adapt, and find success on Kickstarter, even as the external landscape shifts,” the spokesperson said.”We know creators are navigating a lot right now, and we’re focused on giving them the tools and support to adjust as needed. Our role at Kickstarter is to help creators bring their projects to life, and that includes supporting them through moments of uncertainty.”
They added: “That’s why we’re doubling down on tools that help creators stay flexible and responsive: from our Tariff Manager within our integrated pledge manager – which we’re rolling out to all of our creators soon – to offering 24-hour support and expanding educational resources.”
