BREAKING NEWS: Major changes are hitting Lego fans as the company announces it will no longer ship individual pieces to customers in the United States and Canada. This decision, confirmed on August 25, 2023, is a direct consequence of President Trump’s tariffs affecting global shipping costs.
As retailers feel the financial strain from rising shipping expenses, Lego’s move complicates the experience for toy enthusiasts who often rely on the Pick a Brick program to replace lost or missing bricks. The company reports that over 2,500 pieces will be unavailable for shipment, making it significantly harder for builders to obtain specific components for their creations.
The timing of this change is critical, coming just four days before the elimination of the de minimis trade exemption on August 29, 2023, which previously allowed goods valued under $800 to pass without fees. Due to this new shipping law, Lego’s popular individual pieces, often priced below a dollar, have become unfeasible to ship from Denmark.
While the Bestseller range remains available, containing many of the most popular bricks, the halt on standard pieces means many fans will feel the impact of this change. Lego’s website states, “In the US & Canada, standard pieces are temporarily unavailable. You can still shop our Bestseller range, which includes thousands of the most popular bricks and pieces ready to order.”
The emotional toll on Lego enthusiasts is significant, as the inability to easily replace parts complicates their building experiences. Families and individuals who cherish creativity and imaginative play through Lego will find this development frustrating and limiting.
As this situation develops, consumers will need to adjust their purchasing strategies, focusing on available bestseller items and exploring alternative online marketplaces. Stay tuned for updates on how these tariff changes continue to impact the toy industry and consumer options moving forward.