What a Monopoly importer learned when it tried to make things in the U.S.A.
A board game company CEO attempted to manufacture a special edition of Monopoly entirely in the United States to avoid tariffs, but faced significant supply chain hurdles. The experiment revealed that domestic manufacturing for complex products is often more expensive and time-consuming than outsourcing to China.
Why it matters
This case study illustrates the practical difficulties and economic realities of 'reshoring' manufacturing in the current global economy.
The board game Monopoly has always taught some important economic lessons: The benefits of owning real estate. The profit potential of railroad mergers. The value of a get-out-of-jail-free card.
Economy What a Texas showerhead salesman discovered about 'Made in the USA' labels Now a special edition of the board game is teaching a new lesson—about how hard it is to make things in the USA.
The game is being marketed by the WS Game Company, which produces most of its high-end board games in China, just like almost every other toy maker.
After getting hit with a seven-figure tariff bill last year, CEO Jonathan Silva decided to see if it was possible to produce a profitable board game in the United States.
He opted for a custom version of Monopoly, pegged to the country's 250th birthday. But the experiment almost didn't pass go. One big problem: No dice.
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