More people are choosing to buy real Christmas trees as artificial prices rise due to tariffs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – Families putting up holiday decorations this week are answering the age-old question: real or fake Christmas tree?

This year, the answers families decide on may come down to pricing.

The prices of artificial trees are rising due to tariffs. More than 80% of artificial trees are made in China, which are subject to steep tariffs.

The Trump administration said it is using import taxes, also called tariffs, as a negotiation tactic.

Economists estimate the average American family will spend $2,400 more per year under these tariffs.

The goal of the tariffs is to attract manufacturing operations to the United States, increasing jobs and economic independence.

Meanwhile, the Real Christmas Tree Board said 84% of tree growers are not raising prices this year.

This may be why Starr Pines in Booneville, Missouri saw many first-time tree buyers, like Taygan and Tianna Brooks.

“This is gonna be our new tradition. My sister and I are going to bring our kids here, and it’s going to be fun,” Taygan Brooks said after cutting down her first real tree with her mom, Tianna.

Despite the price differences, artificial trees continue to grow in popularity. The American Christmas Tree Association says more than 80% of households choose to go with a fake tree.

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