All trick, no treat: Michigan sees scary jump in the cost of Halloween candy, costumes, other items
October 28, 2026
Tariffs driving up costs of candy and costumes, demonstrating the urgent need for Congress to act
LANSING, Mich. — Shoppers across Michigan are getting spooked this month as they see the frightening prices for Halloween candy and costumes.
Spooky skyrocketing costs are prompting the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) to again urge candidates and elected officials to support smart and consistent trade policies that lower prices and enable businesses to thrive.
The prices of everything associated with Halloween are up this year: a 100-piece bag of candy has increased 70% in price over five years, almost triple the rate of inflation, and the price of costumes has increased 200% since 2024.
“Sadly, the scariest thing about Halloween this year is the cost of candy and costumes,” said John Sellek, a MISTA spokesman. “As Halloween and Election Day approach, it’s important that all candidates for elected office take a position on and support smart trade policies.”
“Families are being haunted by high prices as the cost of everything for Halloween is up because of tariffs,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “It’s time our elected leaders support smart and consistent trade policies. Our current trade policies and approach are a Frankenstein's monster wreaking havoc on our economy, terrorizing consumers and small businesses and causing jump scares for our Canadian neighbors.”
MISTA’s Tariff Ticker shows the continued skyrocketing costs of tariffs to Michiganders in real time.
