Trump tariffs on China, India, Cambodia to drive up US Christmas costs

It's an expensive Christmas for the US

• China supplies nearly 88 percent of US Christmas ornaments and decorations
• India is the second-largest supplier for US wooden and handcrafted festive items
• US Christmas imports are dominated by Asia.

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Christmas in the United States may weigh on the wallet a little more this year — and not just because of festive splurge. A Moneycontrol analysis shows that the three largest suppliers of Christmas merchandise account for over 90 percent of America's festive imports and face high tariffs.

From tree ornaments, nativity figurines to plastic decorations and wooden collectibles, US' Christmas supply chain is overwhelmingly concentrated in Asia. China dominates most key product lines, commanding 85–88 percent of US imports across major Christmas categories. India, while far smaller in scale, remains the second-most important supplier, particularly in wooden and handcrafted segments.

China’s in the lead

The largest Christmas category — ornaments not made of glass or wood — highlights the imbalance. In 2024, the US imported $2.55 billion worth of these items, of which China accounted for $2.24 billion, or nearly 88 percent. India shipped about $44.3 million, ranking third after China and Cambodia, which exported $165 million worth of goods.

A similar pattern plays out in plastic decorations, a segment worth $589.7 million. Chinese goods  accounted for more than $508 million.

Where India stands out

India’s strength lies in artisan and niche festive categories. In glass ornaments and wooden Christmas decorations, India consistently ranks among the top three suppliers, reflecting its foothold in handcrafted, higher-value festive products that cater to premium buyers.

Highly concentrated supply chain

Overall, the US Christmas import market is strikingly concentrated. The top five supplier countries account for nearly the entire market, led by China, followed by Cambodia and India. European Union nations and select Southeast Asian exporters occupy much smaller place.

China’s dominance is not confined to the US. Across major global markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and Australia, Chinese festive products routinely command over 90 percent market share in several categories.

India ranks third globally after Cambodia, accounting for about 1.9 percent of worldwide Christmas merchandise imports. In the EU and the UK, however, India fares better, ranking second with over 2 percent market share.