US EditionA year of horror: Halloween industry shaken by tariffs
Tariffs raised in April have increased Halloween costume costs by up to $10 and reduced inventory, with 79% of shoppers expecting higher prices this season, industry groups said.
- This year, President Donald Trump increased US tariffs on most Chinese goods from about 20% to 145% before reducing them to 30%, disrupting supply chains.
- Last spring, the Trump administration launched a trade war with China, and officials argued tariffs would restore industry strength and address smuggling, White House officials said.
- Trick or Trick Studios says its supply chain is strained, producing goods sold to more than 10,000 retailers, 65% in the United States, while Zephro laid off 15 employees for the first time in 15 years.
- This year's shoppers face higher prices and tighter Halloween inventory, with the National Retail Federation expecting spending of $114.45 per person, $11 more than last year.
- The Halloween and Costume Association warned smaller manufacturers are vulnerable this year, saying many lack scale to absorb costs while family firms such as Phantom Halloween face new cash strain.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Chris Zephro’s warehouse, full of latex masks, accessories from the movie “Saw” and zombie apocalypse games, is a testament to his love of terror. “The terror is not necessarily Halloween. It’s a lifestyle,” Zephro said. But the fake blood inside his warehouse in Santa Cruz, California, pales compared to the real cash bleed of his business since the Trump administration launched a trade war with China last spring. Zephro’s company, Trick or Trea…
Trump’s tariffs are devastating the Halloween industry
By Natasha Chen, CNN Santa Cruz, CA (CNN) — Chris Zephro’s warehouse full of latex masks, “Saw” movie props, and zombie apocalypse games is a testament to his love of horror. “Horror is not necessarily Halloween. It’s really a lifestyle,” Zephro said. But the fake blood inside his Santa Cruz, California, warehouse pales in comparison to the real-life cash bleed from his business ever since the Trump administration launched a trade war with China…
Spooky tariffs on Halloween items mean less variety, higher cost
Roughly 90% of Halloween products are imported, most often from China. Thanks to tariffs, this year’s Halloween inventory will be tighter, and things will cost more for both consumers and businesses.
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