Tariffs’ Impact on Fourth of July Fireworks Supply: A Game-Changing Threat

LEESBURG, Fla. – Tariffs on products imported from China are particularly harmful to the fireworks sector since almost all fireworks worldwide are manufactured in China, as stated by Steve Houser, a fireworks importer and Counselor at the National Fireworks Association.

He’s sounding the alarm: tariffs have halted the flow of fireworks into the U.S.

According to Houser, the situation in China is currently at a standstill with production in factories halted and no movement of containers from export warehouses.

The reason, he said, is that fireworks now cost too much to import.

Houser explained, “The reason behind this is the significant tariff rate, which has now escalated to around 145% of the original amount. This drastic increase is a game-changer, essentially doubling the cost of inventory and resulting in substantial financial implications amounting to millions of dollars.”

Bad timing, as this is when fireworks retailers prepare for their biggest day of the year: Independence Day.

“If somehow we don’t make the 4th of July with a full product line or our prices go so high that consumers can’t afford it, then we’ll be in big trouble,” said Justin Drigger, president of Big Bang Fireworks in Leesburg.

Drigger said this issue not only affects the product line, but it also affects his over 100 subcontractors and employees.

“This situation affects not only the manufacturers but also the over 100 subcontractors and employees who rely on seasonal income from fireworks sales,” Drigger added. “They all really count on this extra income to carry them through the whole year. So it affects a lot more than just me. It affects a whole gang of people.”

Rich Stanfield, manager of Logistics and Human Resources at Big Bang Fireworks, said the biggest sense of urgency right now is a lack of supply.

“The U.S. only took in 60% of what it purchased this year. So there’s not going to be a big supply to go around,” Stanfield said. “The people that really relied on this as a source of income and maybe they had smaller operations, but it was their source of income seasonally, they’re going to be hurting. They’re really not going to have any income. And they’re going to have to find a different way to make it.”

Tony Patrizzio, who stopped in to browse the wares at Big Bang Fireworks, thinks the tariffs will work out in the long run. But he understands how important fireworks are to many Americans, including himself.

“Fireworks are more than just a spectacle; they symbolize freedom and celebration,” Patrizzio said. “For me, it’s such a patriotic thing. You know, the 4th of July. Thomas Jefferson said it’s supposed to be celebrated with picnics, barbecues and fireworks. And it’s just a symbol of freedom in America, and just having fun.”

Drigger thinks his store is well positioned to make it through the year but worries about the future. His hope is that fireworks can be made exempt from such crippling tariffs.

“What we’re looking for going forward is an exemption for fireworks because of their exclusive nature. We think the country’s birthday is worth an exemption,” Drigger said.