Group 1 - The global cocoa production regions, Ghana and Ivory Coast, have faced continuous poor harvests due to climate change, leading to a significant increase in cocoa futures prices over the past two years [1][3] - Currently, cocoa prices remain high despite a decrease from their peak, directly impacting chocolate production costs, prompting major chocolate brands in the U.S. to announce price increases [1][3] - As of this week, cocoa futures prices are at $7,380 per ton, down from a peak of $11,984 in December last year, but still up 121% compared to two years ago [3] Group 2 - The average price of chocolate bars in the U.S. has risen from $2.43 in July 2021 to $3.45 recently, marking a 41% increase [3] - Major chocolate companies like Nestlé and Ferrero have announced price hikes, with Hershey indicating that its chocolate products' average prices may increase by double digits [3] - Concerns about tariff threats have emerged, particularly regarding a potential 21% tariff on cocoa and other products from Ivory Coast, although the implementation of this tariff was later suspended [5] Group 3 - The U.S. imports nearly $4.4 billion worth of chocolate, cocoa, and candy annually, while the members of the National Confectioners Association export about $2 billion worth of U.S.-made chocolate and candy each year [5]