LEESBURG, Fla. – Tariffs on goods imported from China are especially devastating to the fireworks industry, as about 99% of the world’s fireworks are made in China, according to fireworks importer and National Fireworks Association Counselor Steve Houser.
He’s sounding the alarm: tariffs have halted the flow of fireworks into the U.S.
“Over in China, what we have at this point is a complete standstill. The factories have halted production. There’s no containers moving out of our export warehouse space,” Houser said.
The reason, he said, is that fireworks now cost too much to import.
“It’s because of the size of the tariff at this point,” Houser said. “I think now we’re around 145% added to the original. That’s a game changer. You know, that doubles your cost of inventory. You’re literally talking millions and 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.