Rising prices for Fourth of July essentials, driven by the White House's tariffs, are straining U.S. families' holiday budgets and sparking criticism over economic disruptions.

SACRAMENTO, the United States, July 4 (Xinhua) -- From barbecues to fireworks, U.S. families preparing for their annual Fourth of July celebrations are grappling with sharply rising prices, as tariffs continue to inject economic uncertainty into the cost of holiday traditions.

A new congressional report found that prices for popular barbecue items such as beer, outdoor folding chairs, and grill tools had climbed notably ahead of Independence Day.

The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee -- Minority attributes the rising prices to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs announced in April. The report found that since the tariffs were introduced, the overall cost of a typical grocery run for a holiday cookout has surged at an annualized rate of 12.7 percent.

Specifically, domestic beer prices at Walmart have jumped 13 percent, and prices for ground beef and ice cream have reached their highest levels since the 1980s, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data.

Essential cookout gear, such as outdoor folding chairs, grills and grilling tools sold through Amazon, have also seen a notable price increase. The average price has risen by 55 U.S. dollars, or 7.7 percent, with the most popular propane grill now priced 30 dollars higher than it was before the tariffs.

Rabobank, a global food and agribusiness bank, also found that the cost of hosting a 10-person barbecue has risen 4.2 percent this year, making it the first time the cost has exceeded 100 dollars.

The report's authors suggest that these price hikes are a direct result of the economic disruptions caused by Trump's trade policies. Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Maggie Hassan, criticized the administration for failing to address the rising costs.

"One of the best parts of summer is getting together with family and friends for cookouts, especially on the 4th of July -- but cookout prices keep rising in the months following President Trump's tariffs announcements," Hassan said. "We need to work together to lower costs for families, but instead, President Trump has injected chaos and confusion into the economy, and in turn, Americans are paying higher prices for some of the most popular cookout essentials."

The fireworks industry, another major aspect of the holiday, is also feeling the impact of the tariffs. Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, pointed out the irony that one of the nation's most patriotic industries could be severely disrupted by these trade policies.

According to the association, 99 percent of consumer fireworks and 90 percent of professional display fireworks are imported from China. Despite the fact that the combined tariff burden on Chinese goods -- including fireworks -- was initially as high as 145 percent, it was reduced to 30 percent in May. However, the association warned that the lingering impact could still jeopardize business operations and preparations for the country's 250th anniversary in 2026.

While smaller businesses in the fireworks industry are feeling the pain, Roberto Sorgi, owner of American Fireworks Company, shared his own struggles. One of his recent shipments of fireworks, which included several thousand cases, was hit with the full 145 percent tariff.

"The unfortunate thing is, at the end of the day, the consumer ends up paying for these tariffs," Sorgi said. "We're just taxing ourselves to celebrate our great nation."■