The upcoming release of new Pokémon TCG cards promises a delightful array of Eevee-themed designs; however, acquiring these exclusive items in the U.S. may prove challenging. Over recent years, The Pokémon Company has actively addressed the growing interest among Chinese fans by rolling out multiple reprint sets of Pokémon TCG. These efforts are intended to synchronize the availability of game materials, spanning both current and nostalgic collections from the Sword & Shield era. Noteworthy among these efforts are the special Gem Packs, which often include unique alternate art cards that are unavailable through other channels.
Scheduled for release on May 16, the new Gem Pack in China will feature a captivating collection of Eevee-themed cards from the Sword & Shield era, as reported by PokéBeach. This pack will showcase exclusive alternate art renditions of Eevee and its evolutions, carefully illustrated by the talented artist HYOGONOSUKE, known for their vivid and engaging color palettes. Given that these cards are reprints, it is highly unlikely that they will make their way to international markets beyond China.
Challenges in Acquiring New Eevee Alternate Art Cards
The Unexpected Influence of Tariffs on Card Collecting
Typically, the new Eevee cards would be readily accessible to collectors worldwide. Although certain Chinese-exclusive cards can fetch prices upward of $300 on the secondary market, the original packs remain relatively affordable. However, the current trade tensions between the U.S. and China complicate this situation significantly. With steep tariffs imposed on imports, even obtaining a single Pokémon card may incur hefty fees.
While many other countries do not face such stringent tariffs on Chinese imports—particularly for single items—the ongoing trade conflicts could inadvertently burden collectors. Prices have already surged due to scalpers, and the imposition of tariffs presents another layer of difficulty for enthusiasts aiming to complete their Eevee collections. Since the Sword & Shield series features fewer alternate art cards compared to previous editions, these newly released cards are expected to become highly sought after. As history suggests, other Chinese cards have not had the opportunity for international reprints, indicating that collectors should manage their expectations for relief from other sets.
Our Perspective: The Implications of Chinese-Exclusive Cards
The Impact of Trade Relations on Pokémon TCG’s Global Appeal
From my perspective, the trend of introducing Chinese-exclusive cards is concerning, particularly in light of recent global events such as the trade war. The Pokémon TCG generally has a history of minimizing country-specific exclusivity, making these developments somewhat alarming. While these cards may simply be reprints, the desire for collectors to acquire them implies that they may face significant costs due to tariffs and other market factors. Completing one’s collection may become prohibitively expensive.
Although this situation may seem trivial, I am fundamentally opposed to the idea of artificially limiting card distribution. The Pokémon TCG’s continuous efforts to cater to the Chinese market seem to disproportionately impact collectors in other regions, ultimately undermining the spirit of community that the game aims to foster.
Source: PokeBeach