| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2025 Contact: [email protected] ICYMI: Tariffs Threaten Fourth of July Firework Displays Independence Day is just around the corner, but American consumers may find purchasing fireworks more challenging and expensive. With the Fourth of July holiday and its traditional firework displays just days away, retailers across the country are reporting empty shelves, canceled orders, and sharp price hikes for fireworks, all resulting from skyrocketing tariffs on fireworks imports. Nearly 99% of fireworks in the U.S. come from China, and the tariff increases – as high as 150% – are increasing the price of fireworks exponentially. Sellers say the tariffs created chaos across the industry, forcing retailers to cancel orders, cut inventory, or shut down entirely. These effects may even ripple into next year’s 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence. News outlets across the country are reporting on the Trump administration’s tariffs threatening fireworks fun this Fourth of July. St Louis Post-Dispatch: Tariffs and shipping delays have St. Louis fireworks shops scrambling:“Do you want to pay $80,000 in tariffs?” That was the call Chris Sander of Powder Monkey Fireworks received from his Chinese supplier. He canceled one container, delayed others, and sold his house to keep his business afloat. Even then, his last shipment won’t arrive until July 9….“Fireworks are not political things. To lose that would be so sad,” said Steve Houser, owner of Joplin-based Red Rhino Fireworks. Fox 4 Kansas City: Tariffs may lead to more expensive fireworks across the metro this year However, [Mark Tibbits, owner of Hot Mama’s Fireworks in Edwardsville] says you might want to bring some extra cash to the fireworks stand this year, due to the tariffs. “10% or so this year,” he said. “Some of the stuff has the same price as last year, but a lot of it has gone up. The majority of it’s a little higher.” NBC Topeka: National Tariffs Impact Firework Prices Firework stands across Kansas are feeling the impact of tariffs on goods from China, where most of their products are made.Some stand owners say they had to order inventory months earlier than usual to avoid higher costs. Despite their efforts, some only received 80% of their usual orders, leaving warehouses partially empty ahead of the holiday.For customers, that might mean paying a little bit more this season. WZZM Grand Rapids: Seller says tariffs have caused ‘mass hysteria’ over fireworks ahead of July 4th“Mass hysteria. It was crazy. “Tariffs were 30% and then it just went up, next thing you know, it’s like 145% plus the original. So we were in the 150s. That happened very quickly,” said Greg Johnson, owner of Fireworks Superstore. WOODTV: Grand Rapids: Suppliers Expect Firework Shortage due to TariffsMillions of Americans are looking to buy fireworks for Independence Day. Almost all fireworks come from China, though, and those in the industry say tariffs have created higher prices for many firework suppliers. This has led to some places taking the year off from selling…“We are going to experience possibly the biggest shortage ever because a lot of fireworks didn’t make it into the United States,” said Sparky, owner of Sparky’s Fireworks Outlet. WJAR: Some Southern New England cities see fireworks price increase due to tariffsMunicipalities across Southern New England are feeling the sting of tariffs, too, as local leaders report increased costs for city-sponsored fireworks displays.In New Bedford and Newport, tariff fees were added directly to this year’s shows—$300 and $480, respectively. In Woonsocket, Mayor Chris Beauchamp said the city paid “up to a couple thousand more dollars” this year despite using the same vendor for over a decade. Up North Live: Tariffs threaten future of fireworks industry, sparking concern for July 4th celebrations“We just don’t want the Fourth of July to go dark,” warned Stacy Schneitter Blake of the National Fireworks Association.Tariffs are inflating costs, threatening availability, and putting an American tradition at risk. Fireworks are more than a product; they’re a symbol of America. ### Tariffs Cost US is a campaign dedicated to providing the public with reliable, comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs, and their impact on both businesses and consumers. |
