breaking

U.S. Charcoal Imports Surge 95% Ahead of Memorial Day as Consumers Absorb Higher Cookout Costs

U.S. importers brought in 403 charcoal briquette shipments during the twelve months ending May 2025, nearly doubling the prior year's volume, according to trade data. The surge reflects both recovering demand in the grilling market and front-loading behavior as importers accelerated purchases ahead of anticipated tariff increases. Indonesia, Paraguay, and Singapore led as source countries. Despite average import prices falling to $526 per ton in 2024—down from elevated 2022-2023 levels when supply disruptions spiked costs—consumers face steeper expenses at the cookout. This weekend's holiday gatherings will cost 13% more than last year, indicating households are maintaining traditional spending patterns despite inflationary pressures elsewhere in their budgets.