During the Christmas season, some Americans search for the perfect real Christmas tree, while others assemble an artificial one from a box. This year, artificial Christmas tree prices are surging as increased tariffs push costs about 10 to 15 percent higher than last year. Since companies import nearly all artificial trees into the United States (US) from China, foreign tariffs have had significant influence this holiday season, according to npr.org.
Manufacturers in the United States (US) have never made pre-lit artificial Christmas trees due to the complex procedure of attaching lights by hand and the precise concentration necessary to place every bulb. Artificial tree manufacturing rose in China, as Chinese factories could rely on cheaper labor and lower production costs. Thus, it is unlikely that Christmas tree manufacturing will move from lower-wage, lower-cost countries to the US. American workers turned down this type of low-wage labor, according to npr.org.
This year, tariffs have significantly affected the artificial Christmas tree market, leading US retailers to place smaller orders on artificial Christmas trees, according to reuters.com. Ms. Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, expanded on the rise in cost for artificial Christmas trees, according to familyhandyman.com.
“According to our 2023 survey, 52 percent of artificial Christmas tree owners purchased their tree for under $200, and 27 percent paid $200 to $400,” Ms. Warner said, according to familyhandyman.com. “For artificial Christmas trees, costs vary depending on the producer, retailer, size, shape, and features such as pre-lit options.”
Real Christmas trees do not cost as much as artificial trees this year because they grow domestically and are not facing price increases in tariffs. Most farmers have maintained their prices from previous years. Therefore, real Christmas trees are a budget-friendly alternative to artificial trees, according to wsj.com. Mrs. Megan Monaghan, Fifth Grade Teacher, shared her surprise at the expense of artificial trees.
“I looked into buying an artificial tree and was shocked at the prices,” Mrs. Monaghan said. “An artificial blue spruce is selling for almost $2,000 at Balsam Hill. I think I will wait for the after-Christmas sales to buy one.”
Featured Image by Gabrielle Arredondo ’27
