Fourth of July barbeque prices have risen since Trump imposed tariffs, congressional analysis says

Fourth of July BBQ Costs Surge as Tariffs Drive Up Prices on Beer, Grilling Gear, and More

As Americans gear up for Fourth of July celebrations, they may find themselves spending significantly more on popular barbecue essentials, including beer, grilling tools, and outdoor gear. A new congressional report highlights that the cost of a traditional 10-person summer cookout has jumped by an annualized rate of 12.7% since the announcement of sweeping tariffs by former President Donald Trump in April.

According to the Democratic minority of the Joint Economic Committee, the price spike is largely tied to increased tariffs on imported aluminum and beer products. Using Consumer Price Index data and popular grocery and retail listings, the analysis tracked key items commonly purchased for summer cookouts.

Beer Prices See Double-Digit Increases

The report found that domestic lite beer brands such as Miller Lite and Coors Light saw price hikes of over 13% since April. Imported beers also saw substantial increases, with Peroni Nastro Azzurro up 10.5% and Modelo Especial bottles up 9.5%.

This jump follows Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imported beer and aluminum cans in April, followed by a 50% tariff on imported aluminum in June. Major beverage companies, such as Constellation Brands, which owns Modelo, have reported that rising aluminum costs are negatively impacting their profit margins.

Cookout Gear and Outdoor Essentials Also Up

In addition to food and drinks, the cost of BBQ gear has soared. Amazon listings show:

Coleman foldable camping chairs increased by 47.7%
A 25-piece griddle accessory kit rose 17.7%
Banana Boat sunscreen climbed 8.1%
Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil went up 6.9%
Weber propane grills saw a 5% rise
Disposable plates and utensils rose 3.3%

Price data was sourced using tools like AisleGopher, Keepa, and Camelcamelcamel, which monitor online price fluctuations.

Barbecue Index Hits Record High

A separate analysis by Rabobank, a leading food and agribusiness bank, shows that the cost of a 10-person BBQ now averages $100, marking the first time it has reached this milestone. Rising beef prices were identified as a major contributor to this increase.

Conclusion

If you're planning a summer cookout this year, be prepared to allocate a larger budget. With tariff-driven inflation affecting both groceries and grilling gear, enjoying your Fourth of July barbecue could come with a higher price tag in 2025.