Tariffs expected to raise prices for Christmas trees, other holiday decorations

"Tariffs are expected to raise the price of Christmas trees and other decorations this holiday season. Since these products are not typically mass-produced in the U.S., the cost of an artificial tree is estimated to be 10% to 20% higher than last year, with lights costing as much as 63% more than in 2024, according to NBC News. Ornaments from China but not some other countries will also cost more, according to a Nasdaq report."

"Mac Harman, the founder and CEO of artificial tree vendor Balsam Hill, told NBC News that about 90% of Christmas decor products are manufactured in China. The higher prices will also affect supply as sellers are opting to import fewer products to offset the rising costs. In this Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, photo, a man looks at artificial Christmas trees for sale at the Balsam Hill Outlet store in Burlingame, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)"

"There's no question that it will be harder to find the exact tree and decor that that you want this year, and it'll be more expensive, Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, told Axios. The live-tree market, where most trees are grown and sold in the U.S., is not expected to see similar price hikes or any drop in supply because the trees take about a decade before they're ready to cut down and sell."

"However, the Hartford Courant reported that climate change is leading growers to plant more trees to yield the same number of trees as in years past, leading prices to go up for fresh-cut trees. Jesse Steadman, co-owner of Maple Hollow Tree Farm in New Hartford, Conn., told the paper he expects to have a couple thousand trees to sell this year. However, each tree is expected to cost at least $5 more to cover outlays for seed, fertilizer and other supplies."

Tariffs on imported holiday decor are driving up costs for artificial trees, lights and ornaments, with artificial trees estimated 10–20% pricier and some lights up to 63% more than in 2024. A large share of decor production originates in China, and tariffs plus higher costs are prompting sellers to import fewer items, tightening selection and supply. The live-tree market is largely U.S.-grown and not facing the same import-driven shortages, but climate-related changes and higher input costs are causing growers to plant more and raise prices for fresh-cut trees by several dollars each. Tariffs are also projected to add substantial overall holiday spending.

Read at www.mercurynews.com