SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Have you been thinking Halloween costumes and candy seem more expensive this year? Well, you’d be correct – both industries have taken a massive hit due to things like import tariffs imposed earlier this year under the Trump administration and the effect climate change is having on cocoa crops.
West African cocoa production is expected to fall by about 10% in the 2025/26 season after two consecutive below-average harvests, according to industry sources cited by Reuters. Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world’s two largest cocoa producers, account for more than two-thirds of global cocoa output. Ivory Coast’s production has declined from more than 2 million metric tons five years ago to an estimated 1.6 million tons this season, while Ghana’s output has fallen from over 1 million tons to less than half that level, according to Reuters. Producers continue to face challenges tied to shifting weather patterns, aging cocoa trees, disease and small-scale gold mining.
This has impacted both chocolate giants as well as local chocolate makers. Adam Mazzoni, the owner of Sweet on Chocolate, a local shop in downtown Syracuse, said the price on wholesale chocolate has been up.
“We have noticed an increase in the overall cost of our, I want to call it, our raw chocolate, the chocolate that comes in to us and then we melt down,” Mazzoni said.
Chocolate is just one issue for consumers this Halloween season. Import tariffs set by the Trump administration earlier this year on countries like China mean everything imported from affected countries faces a 30% tariff. Over 90% of Halloween costumes and decor are imported from overseas, according to the Halloween & Costume Association. Price hikes on costumes have left customers like Ella Li frustrated.
“It used to be really fun, but now I just kind of dial down on it and try to find the cheapest pieces and the cheapest sets,” Li said.
Video Transcript: Prices on Halloween candy and costumes surge as a result of tariffs, inflation
Lauren Holdmeyer: Halloween is just days away, but the scariest thing Americans are facing this year is prices. I spoke to local Halloween fanatics on how they’re finding ways around inflation and import tariffs to keep the spirit alive.
Holdmeyer: Trick or treat? More like trick or tariff this year.
Ella Li: I just feel like the prices are so jacked this year.
Holdmeyer: She’s not wrong. Because of new import tariffs, prices on all things Halloween are up–candy being one of the biggest culprits.
Adam Mazzoni: We have noticed an increase in the overall cost of our, just kind of like, I want to call it, like our raw chocolate, the chocolate that comes in to us, and then we melt down. It’s not just chocolate, it’s packaging. It’s everything. It’s everything.
Holdmeyer: Adam Mazzoni, the owner of Sweet on Chocolate in Syracuse, says though prices are up, excitement around the holiday is also still high.
Mazzoni: It’s a holiday. It’s a, you know, I just don’t see people saying, oh, the cost of Snickers are too much. We’re not gonna we’re not gonna do Halloween this year, kids.
Holdmeyer: And candy isn’t the only thing that will be racking up your wallet this Halloween. Over 90% of Halloween costumes are imported from overseas, meaning they’ll face a 30% tariff.
Li: It used to be like, really fun, but now I just like, kind of dial down on it and try to find the cheapest pieces and the cheapest sets.
Holdmeyer: Even with some customers buying less, Americans are still expected to spend a record $13.1 billion this Halloween.
Jacob Schram: It’s like one day out of the year, cause like, figure you’re going to spend it anyways for Halloween. It’s fun.
Holdmeyer: And experts say choosing generic candy instead of big name brands and buying in bulk can help consumers avoid those price hikes this year.