Tariffs Drive Up Halloween Pumpkin Carving Product Prices
The cost of celebrating Halloween with traditional pumpkin carving is rising sharply this year, as tariffs imposed on Chinese imports continue to squeeze prices. DataWeave, a retail analytics firm, reports significant price increases on low-cost Halloween items, particularly pumpkin carving kits and accessories. Pumpkin Masters, a leading brand in pumpkin carving supplies owned by Signature Brands, has seen year-over-year price increases as high as 300%, reflecting the steep tariffs levied on their products.
Tariff Burden Exceeds Half Product Value
Customs experts estimate tariffs on Pumpkin Masters products range from 58.1% to 59.6%, representing a cost burden exceeding half the product’s value. Nunzio De Filippis, a licensed customs broker, highlights the challenge this poses for importers attempting to absorb these fees. Joe Ens, CEO of Signature Brands, explained that while some segments of the company’s portfolio, such as cake decorating products, are domestically produced, Pumpkin Masters and Paas items remain fully manufactured in China. The current tariff levels have made maintaining previous price points untenable.
“With tariffs at this scale, it’s difficult to imagine domestic supply chains absorbing such costs. Ultimately, retailers decide the final consumer price,” said Ens.
Price Surges Met With Steady Consumer Demand
Among the most pronounced price hikes is the Pumpkin Masters Xtreme Strobe Light White, used to illuminate carved pumpkins. Retail price jumped from $1.62 in 2024 to $6.99 in 2025, a 331% increase. Even after retailer discounts, such as Kroger’s reduction to $3.49, prices remain substantially higher than previous years. Despite the steep increases, Ens notes that pumpkin carving remains a cherished annual tradition, with consumer demand holding firm. “For a carving kit under $6, people are unlikely to change their behavior drastically,” he said.
- Giant Eagle reported price increases over 300% on several Pumpkin Masters kits and pattern books.
- Kroger’s prices on Jack O Lantern Teeth and Masters Collection kits rose by 283% and 214%, respectively.
- Pick and Save, part of Kroger, also listed similar products with over 100% price hikes.
Retailers Kroger and Giant Eagle declined to comment on their pricing strategies.
Shipment Data Reflects Stable or Declining Halloween Imports
William George, director of research at ImportGenius, analyzed shipment records over the past three years. He found that imports of pumpkin carving tools have remained mostly flat, while shipments of other Halloween-related items like costumes have declined significantly. Signature Brands has slightly reduced inventory imports in anticipation of potentially softened consumer demand, though they remain optimistic about sales velocity.
Reshoring Manufacturing Remains Cost-Prohibitive
Efforts to move production of Pumpkin Masters and Paas products back to the U.S. face significant hurdles, primarily due to higher labor costs and the specialized manufacturing processes involved. Seasonal product planning occurs well in advance, with 2026 demand currently under review. Ens emphasizes that while price increases are unwelcome, consumers continue to invest in holiday traditions.
“People are investing in traditions with their children and grandchildren, and we expect sales velocity to remain strong,” Ens stated.
Broader Inflationary Pressures Compound Consumer Costs
The National Retail Federation forecasts record Halloween spending of $114 per person in 2025, driven largely by higher prices across categories such as costumes, candy, and pumpkin carving tools. Lauren Murphy, managing director at Wells Fargo Retail Finance, notes that retailers face global uncertainties, passing increased costs on to consumers. Peter Boockvar, CIO of One Point Wealth Advisors, warns that tariff-induced price increases from Halloween through Christmas will test American consumers’ financial resilience.
“Tariffs act like water seeping into every crack, forcing households and businesses to absorb higher costs,” Boockvar said.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The escalation of tariffs on Chinese imports is directly inflating prices of seasonal consumer goods, notably Halloween pumpkin carving supplies. This pricing pressure is evident in retail data and shipment trends, underscoring persistent supply chain challenges.
- Opportunities: Brands maintaining strong consumer loyalty around cherished holiday traditions may sustain sales despite price increases.
- Risks: Continued tariffs risk eroding consumer discretionary spending during critical holiday periods, potentially dampening overall retail sector growth.
- Supply Chain: Reshoring remains cost-prohibitive, limiting options to mitigate tariff impacts through domestic production.
- Retail Strategy: Retailers face difficult decisions balancing price increases and discounting to preserve volume.
Impact: The tariff-induced price inflation on seasonal products like pumpkin carving kits is a tangible example of broader trade tensions affecting consumer wallets. While demand remains resilient, the cumulative effect through the holiday season will test retailer strategies and consumer tolerance for higher prices.
