In the United States, The New York Times published an article on July 3rd, with the original title: How Trump’s Tariffs on China Harm America’s Fireworks Celebration. As the American Independence Day holiday approaches in July, the fireworks industry in the United States, which relies heavily on importing products from China, is increasingly loudly expressing its concerns. Higher prices have not only led to the financial strain on couples’ fireworks stores along rural US highways but could also further exacerbate budgetary constraints for towns hosting dazzling fireworks displays.
However, what worries the industry more is that by 2026, industry representatives have warned that many planned celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States may be scaled down or even canceled. Stacy Black, head of the National Firework Association, said, “What really worries us is the production situation next year and the impact of tariffs on China.”
The size of the American fireworks industry reaches $2 billion, with about 99% of the fireworks that light up the skies over the United States coming from China. Uncertainty caused by tariffs forces some importers to stockpile fireworks before potentially higher tariffs are imposed in the United States, while others reduce their purchases due to the pressure of price increases.
Fireworks are highly appealing to both parties in the United States, hence industry insiders have always hoped their products would receive special tariff treatment. Concerns about the fate of the American fireworks industry have sparked a massive lobbying effort. The National Firework Association and the American Fireworks Industry Association have been pressing the US government and Congress to exempt fireworks import tariffs, arguing that fireworks represent Americans’ expression of patriotism and should not be taxed.
In the United States, people usually light fireworks during summer celebrations and sports events. The manufacturing of fireworks for large public performances can be complex and dangerous. Strict regulations on handling chemicals and explosives also make it difficult for companies to produce fireworks in the United States.
Due to the extremely dangerous nature of the fireworks manufacturing process, the United States typically does not provide related insurance. Data from the National Firework Association in the United States shows that in 2022 and 2023, the country imported 16,000 containers of fireworks, with less than 100 containers purchased from regions outside China.
Despite being popular in the United States, fireworks are not a profitable product. The cost of a fireworks display ranges between $3,000 and $25,000. The industry is marginally profitable, making it difficult for importers and retailers to bear the high tariffs. Berns, a fireworks sales manager in Indiana, mentioned that he once considered importing fireworks from Cambodia and Brazil but has yet to find manufacturing infrastructure in these countries that meets the United States’ demand and safety requirements. In his view, fireworks are meant to celebrate freedom and independence, and they should not be subject to tariffs.
Improving domestic fireworks production in the United States is also challenging. Regulations concerning hazardous chemicals and safety issues make it difficult for American fireworks manufacturers to establish factories locally. American fireworks retailers indicate that finding employees who possess the skills needed to safely handle explosives is challenging in this highly seasonal and closely associated industry. John Solgi, an industry insider from Ohio, said, “For me, training 18-year-olds to maintain a sales point system is already tough enough, and then expect me to train them to mix explosives for fireworks displays?”
Solgi believes that what the industry truly needs is for the United States to finalize the tariffs imposed on Chinese fireworks imported into the US, so importers can develop plans and ensure that fireworks displays across the country continue as scheduled next year. “Our industry has never been more precarious than it is now, and July 4th next year should be our most grandiose Independence Day ever.”