The HCA has reported that US costume companies are predicting that new tariffs could ‘wipe out Halloween and severely disrupt Christmas’.
With production already underway and orders locked in, the Halloween and Costume Association says that businesses are scrambling to find ways to get products into stores on time and at prices that families can afford.
The Association is reporting that costumes that used to retail for $19.99 will jump to $39.99. Even simple masks, once priced at $4.99, could now cost $9.99, or more. At double the price, the worry is that many simply won’t buy.
“This is an existential moment for our industry,” said Robert Berman, Halloween & Costume Association board member and president of Rasta Imposta/Imposta Costumes, a US costume manufacturer. “Halloween isn’t like other holidays. If products don’t land on time or become too expensive for families, Halloween simply doesn’t happen. There is no backup plan.”
The latest round of tariff hikes, which could increase rates up to 145% or even 170%, is hitting seasonal suppliers at the worst possible time. With millions of dollars already spent on raw materials and production, many companies are now facing sudden, unexpected costs that make their ranges unviable. Retailers are reacting by cancelling orders and cutting volumes—even on products specifically designed for their shelves.
“It’s brutal,” said Robert. “These are goods that are weeks from shipping — not months. And because Halloween is a one-night event, if you miss that window, there’s no way to recover.”
The reliance on China is already being addressed, says the HCA. The costume and toy sectors have been actively working to diversify production for years — but they warn that shifting away from China is a long-term project, not a quick fix.
“We’ve been trying to reduce reliance on China for a while now,” said Robert. “But these are complex supply chains built over decades. You can’t just flip a switch and move thousands of SKUs overnight. Setting up new factories, building trust, ensuring quality, finding capacity — that takes years, not months.”
Industry leaders are calling on the US government to consider the seasonal nature of these categories before final decisions are made. While they understand the political backdrop, they say the unintended consequences could devastate businesses — especially small- and mid-sized ones — and leave consumers footing the bill.
“We’re not asking for handouts,” Robert added. “We’re asking for time, clarity, and a practical path forward. If these tariffs go through as planned, Halloween 2025 could be the one that never happened — and Christmas might not be far behind.”
