Why English Pokémon Cards Are Getting More Expensive — And Why Japanese Cards Are the Better Buy in 2025.

💥 The English Pokémon Market Is Shifting — And Not in Your Favor

If you’ve been collecting or reselling English Pokémon cards lately, you’ve probably noticed: prices are rising fast. From booster boxes to ETBs and premium collections, costs have crept up across the board in the U.S. market.

But it’s not just about MSRP. Behind the scenes, a mix of tariffs, shipping fees, manufacturing costs, and supply-chain pressure is making it harder — and more expensive — to get English Pokémon products, especially if you're buying from the U.S. and importing into another country.

📈 What’s Driving Up English Pokémon Card Prices?

Here are a few key reasons:

1. Increased U.S. Tariffs on Imports

Even though many English cards are printed in the U.S., some products (especially promos or special boxes) are sourced or assembled overseas. The U.S. has introduced higher tariffs on various imports, especially from Asia, which raises costs for both production and distribution.

If you’re outside the U.S. and trying to import sealed English products, you’re now facing:

• 📦 Rising international shipping costs

• 💰 Import duties or VAT/GST in your own country

• ⚠️ Potential brokerage or handling fees

2. U.S.-Exclusive Releases & Scalper Pressure

Many high-demand sets and exclusive promos are only released in the U.S., driving up secondary market prices. Local demand + international hype = inflated pricing on platforms like eBay or StockX.

3. Lower Print Quality, Higher Price

Even as prices rise, many collectors agree: English print quality doesn’t always match the price. Off-center cards, silvering, whitening, and poor pack distribution are still common complaints.

🇯🇵 Why Japanese Pokémon Cards Are the Better Buy

With all the price hikes, more collectors are turning their attention to Japanese Pokémon cards — and for good reason:

✅ 1. Better Print Quality

Japanese cards are known for their clean edges, vibrant artwork, and consistent condition. If you’re grading or collecting long-term, Japanese cards often perform better at PSA, BGS, or CGC.

✅ 2. Lower Import Cost (For Many Countries)

If you’re in countries like Australia, you benefit from:

• ✨ JAEPA agreement = 0% import duties from Japan

• 💵 Often lower declared values for single cards

• 📬 Simple shipping via Japan Post or DHL with less brokerage hassle than U.S. shipments

✅ 3. More Value Per Yen

With English booster boxes pushing past $80–$100 USD MSRP, many Japanese boxes come in at ~$50–$70 USD shipped, and still include:

• A better chance at pulling SAR/ARs

• Unique artwork not available in English

• Strong resale value due to global demand

🔁 Real Talk: Why Pay More for Less?

If you're a collector, flipper, or casual player, it’s getting harder to justify the rising price of English cards when:

• The pull rates are lower

• The grading quality is riskier

• The shipping/import costs are higher

Meanwhile, Japanese sets offer:

• 🔥 Exclusive designs

• 🧼 Cleaner condition

• 💸 Better ROI on singles and sealed product

💬 Final Thoughts

As U.S. tariffs and price increases push English Pokémon cards higher than ever, many collectors are realizing what Japan-savvy buyers have known for years:

👉 Japanese cards give you more for less.

In 2025, the smart collectors aren't just chasing the English hype — they're investing in Japanese print quality, value, and collector-first design.