You may be wondering—what’s going on with tariffs and how is this going to affect padel in the U.S.? As the sport is finally picking up momentum, the last thing we want is anything that slows things down. And yet, a recent policy change might shake up the game when it comes to buying padel rackets and accessories in the United States.
So let’s break it down and share our perspective as the leading padel shop in the U.S.
From Zero to Now: The Evolution of Padel Gear in the U.S.
When we launched Padel USA four years ago, the padel scene here was almost non-existent. In most clubs, you’d find just a couple of rackets—often from unknown brands—with no after-sale support, no real options, and no dedicated guidance.
That’s exactly why we stepped in: to bring the best padel rackets, shoes, balls, and accessories into the hands of players across the country. To make sure every player—from beginner to pro—could find gear they trust, backed by service they can count on.
Today, the offer is growing. Clubs are getting more stocked, players are becoming more informed, and our online store is expanding every month. But just as things are gaining speed, a new challenge is on the horizon: import tariffs—and padel equipment is right in the middle of it.
So… What’s Changing?
The U.S. government recently rolled out a new round of tariffs on finished goods imported from several countries. This directly impacts many padel products, especially rackets manufactured in China—where a significant portion of the industry’s production still takes place.
Due to these ongoing changes, brands like Wilson and HEAD have already adusted their pricing. We’ve already made notes on the products that will be affected on our site. And while these two are the first, we expect other brands may follow the same path.
Here’s what we’re doing to keep things fair and clear:
- Monitoring the situation closely as the largest online padel retailer in the U.S.
- Working hand in hand with partner brands to protect value and access for American players.
- Staying committed to our standards: We only offer products that pass our expert selection. If something new is worth adding, we’ll bring it in—and we always welcome your feedback.
We're also committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. As things evolve, we’ll continue to share updates transparently.
A Turning Point for the U.S. Padel Market
We know—no one’s thrilled about price increases. But what we’re seeing right now might just be a turning point for the padel industry in the United States.
As we explained in this article, many European shops have been selling padel gear into the U.S. without authorization. These sales often bypass official brand agreements, warranties, and after-sales service. They’re not supposed to serve the U.S. market—but some have been doing it anyway.
Now, thanks to new import tariffs and stricter U.S. Customs enforcement, that’s about to change.
With an extra 34% tariff on many imported padel products, these unauthorized European sales are becoming economically unsustainable. If the seller absorbs the cost, they lose their margin. If they pass it on to the customer, the total price ends up higher than buying directly from an authorized U.S. retailer.
The result? Many of these shops will simply stop selling to the U.S. It’s no longer profitable—and, again, they were never officially allowed to in the first place.
That’s why this shift, while challenging in the short term, is an important step forward. It helps protect the long-term health of the U.S. padel market, ensuring:
- More reliable service and warranty coverage
- Fairer conditions for U.S.-based clubs, retailers, and brands
- A clear, trustworthy space for players to buy their gear
We’re committed to navigating this new landscape with you—and we’ll keep you updated as the situation evolves.
Why a U.S. Padel Economy Matters
To truly grow padel in the U.S., we need more than hype. We need infrastructure—clubs, courts, coaches, tournaments—and yes, a strong and reliable supply of quality padel equipment.
That’s been our mission from day one.
We launched Padel USA early, maybe even too early. But we believed in this sport. And we believed American players deserved access to the same level of quality and service seen in more mature markets.
Today, we’re proud to say:
- We’ve built the largest community of padel buyers in the U.S.
- We’ve earned the trust of top global brands
- We’re prepared to adapt and grow alongside the sport, no matter the challenges
What This Means for You
If you’re already buying your gear from a U.S.-based store like ours—thank you. You’re helping create a sustainable, reliable ecosystem that supports players across the country.
If you’re new to the game or eyeing your next upgrade, here’s what we promise:
- Competitive pricing, even in a shifting landscape
- Fast and reliable shipping
- Real after-sales service from a team that plays and understands the sport
- A curated selection of only the best padel rackets, shoes, balls, and accessories
Got a specific product or brand you’d love to see? Let us know. We’re listening—and we’re constantly evolving based on your needs.
Let’s Keep Building This Together
The road to a strong U.S. padel economy is long—but we’re on it. From equipment to court construction, from grassroots clubs to national visibility, everything counts.
We’re proud to be one of the first, and we’re even prouder to still be here—growing with you.
Whether you’ve been with us since day one or you just swung your first padel racket yesterday, we’ve got your back.
Let’s keep the rally going.
