Table of Contents
The Labubu Fever: Why This Monster is Eating 2026
If you’ve walked through Ximending or scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve seen those mischievous serrated teeth and those soulful eyes. Labubu, the breakout star of Kasing Lung’s "The Monsters" series, has officially transitioned from a niche designer toy to a global cultural phenomenon. In 2026, the hype hasn't just stayed alive; it has evolved into a full-blown obsession for collectors in Taiwan.
But here is the catch: because of the massive demand in Asia, local stocks often disappear in seconds, only to reappear on resale platforms at prices that would make even a monster weep. This is why savvy collectors are looking elsewhere. You might also like to Read more: Is Your Labubu Collection About to Be a Costly Mistake? The US Accessory Secret Taiwan Collectors Are Missing to understand the accessory game better.
The US Logic: Why Cross-Pacific Shopping Works
You might be wondering, "Why would I buy from the US when Labubu is an Asian creation?" It’s a logical question with a very profitable answer. The US market often receives different stock allocations and exclusive colorways that aren't released simultaneously in Taiwan. Furthermore, major US retailers like Pop Mart US often have more stable inventory for certain series compared to the frenzy of Taipei storefronts.
By leveraging a freight forwarder, you can access these US-exclusive inventories. In 2026, the real tea is that while everyone in Taipei is fighting over the same small batch, the US stores often have the exact blind box you've been hunting for at MSRP. Read more: Still paying scalper prices in Taipei? The real tea on scoring Labubu from US stores in 2026 for a deeper dive into price comparisons.
Exclusive Collaborations and Variants
The US market frequently sees collaborations with Western artists or brands that result in unique Labubu variants. If you want a collection that stands out in the Taiwan community, these US-exclusive drops are your best bet. Using an international shipping service ensures these rare finds make it to your doorstep safely.
Scoring Exclusive Drops: Where to Look in the States
To succeed, you need to know where the monsters hide. The primary source is the official Pop Mart US website, but don't overlook specialized designer toy boutiques in Los Angeles and New York. These shops often have online storefronts that don't ship internationally, which is exactly where your tax-free US address comes in handy.
If you encounter a store that doesn't accept Taiwan-issued credit cards, don't panic. You can use a proxy shopping or BuyForMe service. This assisted purchase option allows you to bypass payment hurdles easily. Read more: Labubu-palooza: Essential Intel for Taiwan Collectors to Nab Pop Mart via International Shipping.
The Shipping Secret: Your Gateway to the US
The biggest hurdle for most Taiwan collectors is the "Does not ship to Taiwan" message. This is where comGateway shines. By providing you with a US-based address, they act as your personal us package forwarding hub. You shop as if you're living in the States, and they handle the international shipping to your home in Taiwan.
Before you hit 'buy', it’s always smart to use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost. This ensures your Labubu deal remains a deal and doesn't turn into an expensive surprise.
Taiwan Customs & Localization: Avoiding the 'Scary' Part
Shopping from the US in 2026 requires a bit of local know-how. Specifically, you must be aware of the EZ WAY (易利委) app requirements. Every shipment entering Taiwan needs to be authenticated. Ensure your name and phone number on your parcel forwarding service account match your EZ WAY registration exactly to avoid delays.
Also, remember the de minimis value for Taiwan. Shipments under TWD 2,000 are usually duty-free, but keep an eye on how many times you import per half-year. If you're buying a whole case of Labubu, you might want to factor in potential import taxes. Using a freight forwarder allows you to consolidate multiple small orders into one shipment, which can sometimes be more cost-effective.
A Step-by-Step Strategy for Taiwan Collectors
Ready to start your US Labubu hunt? Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how it works:
- Step 1: Sign up for a comGateway account to get your tax-free US address.
- Step 2: Browse US retailers like Pop Mart US or Mindzai.
- Step 3: Use your US address at checkout.
- Step 4: Once your package arrives at the warehouse, use the shipping calculator to check the final costs.
- Step 5: Ship it to Taiwan and track it all the way to your door!
In 2026, the world is your toy box. Don't let regional boundaries limit your Labubu collection. By understanding the logic of US sourcing and using a reliable shop us ship international strategy, you'll be the envy of every collector in Taipei.
