US tariffs on Chinese-made costumes and accessories have dramatically increased costs for local Halloween retailers, who are passing on price hikes.
WASHINGTON — As Americans gear up to spend billions on costumes, masks, and candy this Halloween, a “trick” from international trade disputes is hitting wallets: rising prices caused by tariffs on imported goods, primarily from China.
The duties, levied by the Trump administration on a vast array of Chinese-made products, are now being felt by local businesses and passed along to consumers just as the spooky season peaks.
Higher Prices for Small Businesses
For the owner of Total Party, Lorenzo Caltagirone, a significant challenge this year is dealing with the impact of the tariffs.
“Most of the costumes and accessories all come from China, about 95%,” Caltagirone explains.
He notes that nearly all Halloween masks and costumes are manufactured overseas, with only products like makeup typically being made in the U.S.
Caltagirone, whose entire party supply business relies heavily on the Halloween rush—with “50% of my annual sales happen in the month of October” and “80% happens that last 10 days leading up to Halloween”—has had to absorb significant extra costs.
To get his inventory off the boats and into the store, he had to pay importers a hefty fee. “I would say at least… maybe about $20,000,” he estimates for his small business.
To make up for this unexpected loss, he’s been forced to raise prices for his customers:
- A child’s costume that was $29.95 last year may now be priced around $34.95.
- More exclusive or high-end adult costumes could see price hikes of “20 to $30 more.”
Industry Outlook
The impact has been industry-wide.
The Halloween and Costume Association (HCA)—a recognized trade group—has appealed to the Trump administration for tariff reductions or assistance. The HCA reported that it could take years for the industry to develop reliable U.S. domestic supply lines capable of replacing Chinese production. The organization also voiced concern that the tariffs could crush small and mid-sized specialty businesses.
Despite the added costs and market uncertainty, Caltagirone remains cautiously optimistic. He hopes the sticker shock won’t frighten away trick-or-treaters.
“I’m still confident that we will do… We’ll have a successful Halloween, but it’s been a real challenge,” he says.