Warhammer Supply Shocks: How Tariffs and Global Strain Are Disrupting Games Workshop Pre-Orders
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A Perfect Storm for Warhammer Fans in the U.S.
Games Workshop (GW), the powerhouse behind Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar, stunned the community this April by suspending its weekly pre-orders—a rare and serious move. According to SpikeyBits, the announcement came without warning, hinting at deeper logistical and economic strains that have been building behind the scenes.
One of the key culprits? Tariffs, which are still impacting the cost, flow, and availability of GW products in the U.S. These factors, coupled with shipping bottlenecks, have made life harder for independent retailers, collectors, and even Games Workshop itself.
Let’s break down what’s really going on—and how this affects U.S. hobbyists and collectors of limited-edition Warhammer books and models.
What’s Behind the GW Pre-Order Suspension?
Games Workshop officially paused new pre-orders in April 2025, citing operational challenges. While specifics were not publicly disclosed, industry insiders point to:
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Ongoing global logistics problems
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Tariff-related price pressures
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Material shortages and manufacturing delays
This isn’t just about late releases—it signals trouble in the fragile, high-demand Warhammer supply chain. And for American customers, already burdened by the lingering effects of tariffs, the impact is even more pronounced.
Here is a bit more about the way tariffs are affecting the tabletop games economy from the fellows at Catalyst Games:
Understanding Tariffs and Their Continued Impact
1. Tariffs Still in Effect
Though first introduced in 2018–2019, the tariffs on imported goods from China—and to a lesser extent, the UK and EU—remain in place. These include up to 25% import duties on toys, printed books, plastic components, and hobby kits—all core elements of the Warhammer range.
2. Why This Matters for GW
Games Workshop manufactures most of its products in the UK, but the company sources raw materials, packaging, and even some production from global partners—especially in Asia. Importing these goods into the U.S. under current tariff rules adds layers of cost and complexity.
The April 2025 pre-order freeze is likely a symptom of accumulated backlogs, customs delays, and shipping slowdowns. These issues may be exacerbated by trying to avoid tariff-heavy shipping routes or struggling with rising container fees.
How U.S. Retailers and Collectors Are Affected
For Retailers Like Hammer of War:
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Higher acquisition costs for GW and Black Library products
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Delays in receiving new inventory, especially limited editions
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Tighter margins, forcing tough pricing decisions
Despite these headwinds, Hammer of War continues to stock a robust selection of rare, out-of-print, and limited Warhammer products, including:
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Numbered Black Library collector’s editions
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Warhammer Fantasy Battles army books
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Limited-run Forge World kits
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Sealed box sets no longer in general circulation
Buying from domestic sources like HammerOfWar.us or the eBay store means collectors can avoid unexpected VAT or tariff charges and get fast, reliable shipping within the U.S.
For Collectors:
The combination of pre-order freezes and tariff inflation creates the perfect environment for:
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Skyrocketing resale values for OOP or LE products
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Increased demand for anything already in the U.S.
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Collector urgency: buying now before another product goes “temporarily unavailable”
If you're tracking down rare Siege of Terra hardcovers or a pristine Age of Sigmar battletome, now is not the time to wait.
What’s Next for Games Workshop in the U.S.?
While GW is working on expanding its North American distribution, the reality is that tariffs, freight prices, and global logistics will continue to challenge them in the short term. Until there's political change on the trade front—or Games Workshop shifts more production to tariff-exempt locations—U.S. customers should expect:
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Sporadic product availability
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Higher prices on new releases
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Increased value in the secondary market
Final Thoughts: Tariffs and the Collector’s Advantage
In a world where Games Workshop is hitting pause on pre-orders and international shipping becomes more expensive, smart collectors are adapting fast.
🔹 Tip #1: Shop U.S.-based stores like Hammer of War for rare and limited editions you may not see again.
🔹 Tip #2: Watch for price jumps—LE books and boxed sets are appreciating quickly in the secondary market.
🔹 Tip #3: When you see it in stock—grab it. GW’s supply is proving less predictable by the month.
Stay Informed & Shop Smart
Want more news on Games Workshop market trends, Black Library limited editions, and rare Warhammer collectibles? Subscribe to our blog and follow Hammer of War for first dibs on products that are vanishing from shelves—before tariffs and delays hit again.