As a high tariff in the battle with the industry, almost all our fireworks come from China
Joe Vanoudenhove, president of Sky King Fireworks Group, discusses the fireworks industry and the impact of inflation.
With almost all dependence on Chinese imports, American fireworks companies landed straight on the president’s cross Donald TrumpTrade war with Beijing.
China manufactures 99% of the fireworks they enjoy in their backyards, and about 90% of professional grade displays that will surprise the skies around the world.
The American fireworks industry is 30% Customs The imposed by the Trump administration on China’s imports could hinder preparations for next year’s 250th birthday.
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In April, fireworks tariff charges as Washington skyrocketed to 145% Beijing Escalation of trade threats. The following month, Trump implemented a 90-day suspension, reducing tariffs to 30%. That temporary grace is scheduled to expire on July 9th.
On July 4th, 2024, during the Independence Day Fireworks Festival in Arlington, Virginia, the fireworks depart on the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial and the U.S. Capitol. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Current rates remain excessively high and unpredictable,” Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Fireworks Association, told FOX Business. “Does the 30% tariff remain intact or will it potentially be blown down to the triple digits?”
Heckman explained that the fireworks industry typically places orders months ago to explain obstacles to the industry’s complex, safety-sensitive supply chain. Fireworks require multiple modes of transport (ships, trains, trucks) with safety inspections and regulatory checks at every step.
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“Small businesses ordered products at a certain price, but when the product was ready to ship, they were subject to an unexpected 20% tariff, and even worse, a 145% tariff,” explained Heckman. “How can small businesses make healthy decisions if tariff rates can change suddenly overnight?”
Roberto Sorgi, who runs an American fireworks company, said one of his orders – just thousands of cases had been slapped at 145% tariffs.
“It wasn’t a good hit for us, but at the end of the day, we couldn’t hand it over to our customers, so we just take a full-scale loss and blend in with our inventory,” Sorgie said.
Supermarket customers get a package of fireworks before the big year day. (Frank Hammerschmidt/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
He added that consumers can expect prices to rise in the second half of 2025.
“At the big year day, we see an average price of 20% to 40% on most items,” Sorgi said. “Taxes affect the display customers most,” explained Sorgi, adding that fireworks shows could be shorter.
“The unfortunate thing is that at the end of the day, consumers will be paying these duties,” Sorgie said of the ongoing. Trade wars. “We are simply taxing ourselves to celebrate our great nation.”
People will see the fireworks display on June 14, 2025 as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the 250th anniversary of Flag Day in Washington. (Tom Brenner of the Washington Post by Getty Images)
Regarding the July 4th 2025 celebration, Steve Houser, president of Red Rhino Fireworks, told Fox Business that retail fireworks sales are strong.
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“I’ve seen it this year and what I’m seeing now is that sales are very strong on the retail side,” explained Houser, former president of the National Fireworks Association.
Additionally, Phantom Fireworks CEO Bruce Zoldan said Fox Business The company’s physical stores have “average sales this year are nearly $400 this year.” These sales have increased by approximately 10% to 15% since 2024.
Aislinn Murphy of Fox Business contributed to this report.