Halloween candy prices set to rise due to Trump's tariffs and climate change.
The cost of trick-or-treating just got pricier as the prices of popular Halloween candies are expected to increase by 10.8% this year, according to a new analysis from progressive groups. The rising costs are mainly attributed to Donald Trump's tariffs on chocolate imports from west Africa, where cocoa is grown. The price of cocoa has tripled over the last few years due to climate-related damage and rain, causing it to peak at $12,000 per ton in 2024.
As a result, companies like Hershey's, the largest chocolate manufacturer in the US, are expected to pass on the higher costs to consumers. The company warned that tariffs could cost it over $100m, leading to price increases for popular candies such as Tootsie Rolls and Hershey's chocolate.
However, not all candy prices will increase equally. Chocolate candies, which account for a significant portion of Halloween sales, are particularly at risk due to the cocoa shortage. The scarcity has led to a rise in demand, giving producers more power to negotiate higher prices with consumers.
Shrinkflation, or subtle price increases achieved through product reformulation, is also becoming increasingly common. Companies like Hershey's may opt for products containing less cocoa and substitute it with almonds or milk instead, making them cheaper to produce but still expensive to buy.
While some might view the price hike as unwelcome, it seems inevitable. As economist Alex Villacis noted, "Chocolate producers have two options: they can either just pass this additional cost to the final consumer or they can absorb this higher cost as a loss." Companies are already taking advantage of consumers' expectation of price increases, with Walmart reportedly starting to raise prices for certain products in late April, even before tariffs went into effect.
Despite the price increase, Halloween candy sales are expected to remain strong. According to the National Retail Federation, total Halloween sales will reach $13.1bn, a new record after reaching a peak of $12.2bn in 2023. The confectionery industry's embedded connection to American holiday culture means that even as prices rise, consumers will continue to shell out for their fix of sweets.
The impact of global trade on everyday life is becoming increasingly apparent, with each candy bar serving as a reminder of the intricate web of economic forces at play. As economist Angela Hanks pointed out, "Companies take advantage of a moment where people expect prices to increase and pre-emptively increase them."
The cost of trick-or-treating just got pricier as the prices of popular Halloween candies are expected to increase by 10.8% this year, according to a new analysis from progressive groups. The rising costs are mainly attributed to Donald Trump's tariffs on chocolate imports from west Africa, where cocoa is grown. The price of cocoa has tripled over the last few years due to climate-related damage and rain, causing it to peak at $12,000 per ton in 2024.
As a result, companies like Hershey's, the largest chocolate manufacturer in the US, are expected to pass on the higher costs to consumers. The company warned that tariffs could cost it over $100m, leading to price increases for popular candies such as Tootsie Rolls and Hershey's chocolate.
However, not all candy prices will increase equally. Chocolate candies, which account for a significant portion of Halloween sales, are particularly at risk due to the cocoa shortage. The scarcity has led to a rise in demand, giving producers more power to negotiate higher prices with consumers.
Shrinkflation, or subtle price increases achieved through product reformulation, is also becoming increasingly common. Companies like Hershey's may opt for products containing less cocoa and substitute it with almonds or milk instead, making them cheaper to produce but still expensive to buy.
While some might view the price hike as unwelcome, it seems inevitable. As economist Alex Villacis noted, "Chocolate producers have two options: they can either just pass this additional cost to the final consumer or they can absorb this higher cost as a loss." Companies are already taking advantage of consumers' expectation of price increases, with Walmart reportedly starting to raise prices for certain products in late April, even before tariffs went into effect.
Despite the price increase, Halloween candy sales are expected to remain strong. According to the National Retail Federation, total Halloween sales will reach $13.1bn, a new record after reaching a peak of $12.2bn in 2023. The confectionery industry's embedded connection to American holiday culture means that even as prices rise, consumers will continue to shell out for their fix of sweets.
The impact of global trade on everyday life is becoming increasingly apparent, with each candy bar serving as a reminder of the intricate web of economic forces at play. As economist Angela Hanks pointed out, "Companies take advantage of a moment where people expect prices to increase and pre-emptively increase them."
. It's already gonna be tough for kids (and let's be real, adults too) to scrape together enough cash to get some decent treats. And now we're supposed to shell out even more because of Trump's tariffs? No thanks! I mean, I get that companies gotta make a profit and all, but can't they just find ways to cut costs instead of passing on the pain to us? 
. Almonds or milk instead of cocoa? No thank you! I want my Tootsie Rolls and Reese's Pieces, not some bland almond-based abomination 
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It's just not right that prices are gonna go up even with sales expected to reach record highs. What's the point of celebrating if I'm just gonna be broke? 
Tariffs on chocolate imports from west Africa are insane! I mean, who knew climate change would affect the price of cocoa so much? Like, what's next? Rise in price of avocados or something? 
Anyway, it's all about companies like Hershey's trying to make a buck off of us trick-or-treaters. Shrinkflation is such a thing now - I mean, who wants less chocolate for their $5 candy bar? 
Guess we'll just have to shell out more cash this year 
the price of halloween candies is gonna be so high this year! 
my kid was looking forward to stocking up on all their faves but now i'm worried we might have to cut back on how much they can get. i mean, $100m is a pretty big hit for hershey's... that's like a lot of candy bars 
. but at the same time, i guess its kinda inevitable with tariffs and all that climate change is doing to cocoa prices... anyway, can't wait for halloween to see how it all plays out! 
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I remember when you could get a bag of Reese's Pieces for like $1 or something. Now they're upwards of $5! It's crazy. And yeah, companies will probably pass on the costs to us consumers anyway, so it's not like we're really getting a break here 
. They're basically saying, "Hey, you know prices are gonna go up, so might as well raise them now." It's a pretty clever move, but at what cost? Will we just get used to paying more for our sweets and call it a day? I hope not 
. Is that even a thing anymore? Companies are basically finding ways to make their products cheaper to produce while still charging us top dollar. It's like, we get what we pay for... or in this case, less than what we pay for 
. It's like they're trying to trick us into paying more for the same stuff 
but at least halloween sales are still gonna be lit 
i mean, $13.1bn is a new record lol what even is the point of savings when u can just splurge on candy for 1 night 
it's already super expensive to make candy, now they're gonna pass on the cost to us and it's just not fair 
This Halloween candy price hike is gonna be a real bummer for trick-or-treaters. Tariffs and climate change are having a major impact on the chocolate industry, and it's only getting worse. Companies like Hershey's are feeling the pinch and passing those costs on to us. But, you know what? People still can't get enough of that candy 
After all, life's too short, and all that jazz!
anyway, let's just enjoy our Halloween candies while we can 
. It's like they're trying to sneak one by us without even having to raise the prices too much 
. It's all about making a buck at our expense.