The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) is the latest organization to raise red flags over tariff hikes on Chinese imports, warning that the move could derail Halloween and disrupt the holiday shopping season unless immediate action is taken.
With production already in motion and orders finalized, businesses are scrambling to avoid delays and price hikes that could drive products out of reach for American families. Costumes that once sold for $19.99 may soon retail for $39.99. Basic masks could double in price from $4.99 to $9.99.
“This is an existential moment for our industry,” says Robert Berman, HCA Board Member and President of Rasta Imposta/Imposta Costumes. “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 tariffs, which could spike from a damaging 145% to a business-crushing 245% according to the latest rumblings from the White House, come as manufacturers have already invested millions in raw materials and production. Many now face sudden costs that threaten entire product lines. Retailers have begun canceling orders or slashing volumes.
“It’s brutal,” Berman adds. “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.”
Berman and the HCA are calling for a common-sense resolution to this situation, echoing the greater toy, game, and seasonal industries as they rally behind The Toy Association’s efforts to keep toys tariff-free.
“We’re not asking for handouts,” Berman 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.”
