The effects of President Trump’s tariff policies are beginning to materialize. A crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, has introduced a “Tariff Manager Tool” to help creators accommodate the unforeseen costs arising from Trump’s global trade war. This tool enables creators to add new surcharges to funded projects, thereby assisting them in coping with the increased expenses.

The functionality of this tool is as follows: creators can apply per-item surcharges to account for tariff-related cost increases. These surcharges will be displayed as a separate line item on the payment page for individuals who have funded the project. However, it is worth noting that this only applies to items being shipped to US-based addresses.

Not all backers may be willing or able to pay the additional fee for something they supported months or years ago, especially considering the current state of the economy. As a result, backers will be given the option to decline the surcharge. If they choose to do so, the creator can issue a refund. Furthermore, a blog post suggests that backers and creators may be able to find alternative resolutions beyond a refund, although the specifics of this have not been disclosed.

Kickstarter has stated, “We understand that requesting backers to pay an additional fee, particularly after a campaign has ended, can be a sensitive matter. Our objective is to provide you with the necessary flexibility and transparency to navigate these conversations with clarity and care.”

Many Kickstarter projects rely heavily on components manufactured in countries such as China and Vietnam, which are now subject to exorbitant tariffs. This is poised to have a devastating impact on American small businesses, but Kickstarter creators face an additional challenge. Typically, backers fund a project months or years before the fulfillment process begins. Consequently, it may be unpleasant for them to discover a new surcharge for something they funded in 2023 or earlier.

A tabletop game manufacturer, Stonemaier Games, is suing President Trump over the tariffs. The small Missouri-based company has joined an upcoming lawsuit that alleges the president’s actions have put the livelihood of its employees in jeopardy. The suit challenges the constitutionality of the tariffs, noting that they will result in an additional $1.5 million in import fees for the company. Stonemaier is primarily known for the popular game Wingspan, which was included on the list of the best board games.

Retailers across the country, both large and small, have been warning consumers that prices are expected to increase in May, and many products may become unavailable. This is attributed to both the tariffs and a recent executive order by Trump that eliminated a loophole allowing small packages to avoid additional import charges. If you have been considering purchasing a particular gadget, it is advisable to do so sooner rather than later.