TRICK OR TARIFF: Amid Rising Seasonal Costs, Harder Announces New Plan to Tackle Tariffs
Candy prices up by nearly 80% in the last five years
Average 100-piece assorted candy bag has almost doubled in price to $16.39
WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of the busiest days of the month for Halloween shopping, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced a new 3-step plan to tackle rising tariffs that are causing prices to rise across the board. Harder is pushing to restore oversight of chaotic trade policy, investigate tariff price hikes, and prioritize new market stability for consumers.
Halloween shoppers are getting spooked by tariff sticker shock:
- Candy prices have risen by 78% in the last five years, and a 100-piece candy bag is now up to $16.39.
- 86% of consumers say they’ve noticed candy prices are higher this year, and 79% anticipate higher prices due to tariffs.
- About half of U.S. cocoa imports come from Côte d’Ivoire, which now faces a 21% tariff on products shipped to the U.S.
“Halloween is supposed to be a fun time for parents and kids, not a holiday that’s going to break the bank,” said Rep. Harder. “We’re seeing prices soar across the board because of idiotic tariffs that are squeezing Valley families, and Halloween candy is just the latest example. We need to stop these tariffs, push for smart trade deals, and make it affordable to raise our families again.”
Harder’s 3-step plan to stop the endless trade war:
- Restore Trade Sanity — Harder is championing legislation to return Congress’ constitutionally authorized role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy.
- Clear Labels — Harder is also supporting a bill to uncover exactly how tariffs are affecting prices.
- New trade deals — Harder is calling on the U.S. Trade Representative to prioritize new trade deals as soon as possible to give long-term stability to consumers and businesses.
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