Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The scariest thing this Halloween could just be the price tag — turning a sugar high into sticker shock.
“We find that candy prices will be significantly higher this Halloween season,” said Elizabeth Pancotti of the Groundwork Collaborative, an economic policy think tank.
She said most candy brands are seeing an 11% price increase — and some are triple that.
“Tootsie Roll lollipops, for example, have the highest increase at about 34% higher than last year’s price,” Pancotti said, attributing higher candy prices to tariffs and tough trade policies by the Trump administration.
“We see price increases across the board,” she added.
Even candy made in the U.S., like Hershey’s in Pennsylvania, is feeling the not-so-sweet effect.
“The U.S. produces basically no cocoa. All of that is grown largely in West Africa and then processed primarily in Europe and then sent here,” Pancotti said. “Aluminum tariffs are also spiking the packaging costs for many candies.”
Pancotti said Hershey’s projects about $100 million in added costs from tariffs this year alone. And the spooky prices aren’t limited to the candy aisle.
“Outside of candy, decorations are primarily imported from China. We talked to a supplier in Texas who found $700 surcharges on fog machine shipments — and that ultimately flows through to consumers,” Pancotti said.
So, whether you’re stocking up on sweets or suiting up in costume, this Halloween, the trick might be on your wallet.
However, there are some candies that didn’t see as large of an increase from tariffs.
“We find that the candy with the lowest price increases were Laffy Taffy and gummy bears — so maybe stick to those this year,” Pancotti said.
