Cube Prices Are Set to Rise — What You Need to Know
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received several notifications from suppliers in China warning that cube prices will begin to increase from next month. This follows major changes to China’s tax legislation, specifically the introduction of a new VAT law that will take effect next year. Although this law doesn’t instantly change prices overnight, it forces much stricter transparency and tax compliance among manufacturers and e-commerce businesses.
Because of this, the cost of producing and exporting speedcubes is gradually increasing — and those changes are starting to reach retailers around the world.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Impact on Cube Prices
In the short term, you probably won’t notice dramatic changes.
Many cube stores (including mine) will absorb small increases for as long as possible to avoid sudden price jumps.
However, over the longer term, several trends are likely:
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New releases will enter the market at slightly higher prices.
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Some existing products may increase by a few pounds to compensate for rising factory costs.
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Low-margin accessories may also see small increases, depending on the manufacturer.
It’s not going to be a huge spike, but a gradual upward shift as Chinese companies adopt tax-inclusive pricing.
Speedcubes Are Still Affordable Compared to Most Hobbies
It’s worth remembering that, even with a modest price rise, speedcubing remains one of the most affordable hobbies out there.
Think about it:
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A speedcubing timer can cost as little as £8.
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A Teraminx, with hundreds of pieces and enormous complexity, can still be bought for around £30.
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Even top-tier 3×3 flagship cubes are far cheaper than the high-end equipment required for sports, gaming, or musical instruments.
The surprising thing is not that prices might rise — it’s that cubes have been this cheap for this long.
In the 3×3 market especially, the difference in performance between a £15 cube and a £60 cube is actually quite small, so a few pounds of movement in either direction doesn’t drastically change the landscape.
YJ Is the First Manufacturer to Officially Announce Increases
YJ were the first to publish an official statement confirming price changes.
In my video, I show the Chinese document they sent to suppliers and provide an English translation for clarity.
According to YJ:
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Some product lines, especially non-MGC cubes, will see their factory prices rise by around 10%.
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These increases are tied to the new tax requirements and the shift toward tax-inclusive ex-factory pricing.
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The changes have already gone into effect.
So far, YJ is the only manufacturer to publicly release such a document, but other companies are expected to adjust prices soon as tax compliance becomes more strictly enforced across the industry.
What This Means for Cube Stores and Cubers
Right now, it’s difficult to predict exactly how the market will respond.
Some companies may raise prices sooner, some may wait, and some may choose to absorb the costs temporarily.
But one thing is certain:
Your support for local cube stores is more important than ever.
Small retailers don’t have the same flexibility as giant online marketplaces, and absorbing every price rise forever simply isn’t sustainable. Even a £1–£3 increase can make a big difference over many products.
Despite this, I remain committed to:
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Maintaining fair and competitive pricing
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Stocking a full range of cubes from my warehouse in Peterborough, UK
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Keeping the cubing community informed about industry changes
The goal is always to make cubing as accessible and enjoyable as possible — and to stay transparent whenever something might affect customers.
Final Thoughts
This video and blog post aren’t meant to panic anyone.
Cubes won’t suddenly double in price.
But the industry is changing, and it’s better to understand why before the effects show up on store shelves.
As manufacturers adjust to China’s new VAT rules, we should expect small but steady price increases across some product lines. This is normal, and honestly quite reasonable given how inexpensive cubes have been for years.
As always, thank you for supporting your local cube store — it genuinely helps keep the community thriving.
