Magic: The Gathering fans in North America are waiting longer for new cards after Wizards of the Coast announced in August that delivery of its latest set would be delayed. The company blamed a drought-driven traffic jam at the Panama Canal, a key route for about 40% of U.S. container traffic.
The drought in Panama has been worsened by El Niño, which typically brings dry conditions to Central America. Between May and August, parts of Panama received about a third less rainfall than the long-term average, according to the article. The canal authority cut daily vessel crossings by nearly 20%, and shipping fees reached $5.3 million in September, surpassing the previous record.
The card delay is an early sign of how vulnerable the canal is to a warming planet. Experts cited in the article warn that El Niño could last into early 2027 and worsen Panama's dry season, potentially causing more supply chain disruptions. As one player put it, even in a fantasy game, the supply chain affects you.