Latest news with #AmericanPyrotechnicsAssociation
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney is being forced to make a quiet change to all theme parks across America
Fireworks have long been a staple of any Disney trip but now the skies above the Happiest Place on Earth may be a lot less dazzling. The iconic nighttime displays have been put in jeopardy due to a controversial policy imposed by Donald Trump. China is a major supplier of fireworks to the United States but with the steep tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, shipments are being heavily impacted. Walt Disney World is the second-largest purchaser of explosives in the United States, after the US military, per Disney historians and industry insiders, according to Inside the Magic. This includes fireworks for all four parks - Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Roughly 99 percent of fireworks used in the U.S. come from China, and tariffs were as high as 30 percent in May, according to The New York Times. Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, an industry trade group, explained: 'I would anticipate that most people are going to get a little less bang for their buck this year. She continued, per Red River Radio: 'I think we will see some product shortages. 'I would encourage customers to shop early for the best variety of product.' One insider said, according to Inside the Magic, 'Disney doesn't make their own. They buy them from various sources. 'Each week they drive out there and pick up enough for the next week's performances.' While Disney has not publicly canceled its nightly firework shows, insiders say supply issues are already forcing the company to quietly scale back some displays, swapping out full-scale pyrotechnics for projections, lasers and drones. The changes may be subtle to casual park goers but longtime fans are starting to take notice. One avid theme park visitor wrote about the 'situation' in a since-deleted tweet alongside a video of the new display. Her clip compared the new fireworks to the original with notable differences including the timing of the bursts, colors and patterns. 'With the current tariff situation, I fear we will never get the original flower burst back,' she wrote, according to the outlet. 'This is the replacement. It was breathtaking and seemed to continue to burst forever. There's a number of Happily Ever After updates that have occurred.' Daily Mail has contacted Disney for further comment. Beyond the impact on Disney, the American Pyrotechnics Association has warned of broader cancellations nationwide. Experts are also concerned that the situation could worsen in 2026, when demand spikes for America's 250th anniversary. Disney CEO Bob Iger previously voiced concern about how the tariffs, which also hit steel, merchandise, and cruise ship materials, could disrupt expansion plans and park operations, per New York Post.
Asharq Al-Awsat
05-07-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Spectacular Fireworks Light Up American Skies on the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Massive fireworks lit up the skyline of multiple American cities, marking festivities across the country. Despite widespread education efforts, thousands of Americans are badly injured by fireworks each year. Still, consumer sales of fireworks have rapidly grown over the past two decades. Statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association show that in 2000, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks. By 2024, that figure rose to $2.2 billion.
The Independent
05-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Photos of spectacular fireworks light up American skies on the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Massive fireworks lit up the skyline of multiple American cities, marking festivities across the country. Despite widespread education efforts, thousands of Americans are badly injured by fireworks each year. Still, consumer sales of fireworks have rapidly grown over the past two decades. Statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association show that in 2000, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks. By 2024, that figure rose to $2.2 billion. — This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Associated Press
05-07-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Photos of spectacular fireworks light up American skies on the Fourth of July
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Massive fireworks lit up the skyline of multiple American cities, marking festivities across the country. Despite widespread education efforts, thousands of Americans are badly injured by fireworks each year. Still, consumer sales of fireworks have rapidly grown over the past two decades. Statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association show that in 2000, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks. By 2024, that figure rose to $2.2 billion. — This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Int'l Business Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
US Readies New Tariffs While July 4 Costs Surge For Families And Firms
As Americans fire up their grills and gather for fireworks this Independence Day, a new economic flashpoint looms: a fresh wave of tariffs that could take effect in less than a month. With official notifications expected to go out as early as July 5, concerns are mounting over how the rising cost of imports may impact small businesses and everyday consumers. The tariff strategy—announced by former President Donald Trump—is expected to impose levies ranging from 10% to 70% on goods from countries without existing bilateral trade deals. These measures could be implemented by Aug. 1, according to CBS News. The move marks the expiration of a 90-day pause following April's unilateral tariff threats. Fireworks Industry Feels the Fuse Burning For an industry synonymous with July 4, the fireworks business is in a bind. Roughly 95% of consumer fireworks are imported from China, and importers say recent tariff policy changes have created serious disruptions in supply and pricing. "We're seeing costs that have doubled in some categories over the last three years," said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, in an interview with CBS News. Retailers are reporting higher costs per container, which have not fully stabilized since earlier tariff rounds that peaked at 145%. As reported by Business Insider, wholesalers like Indiana-based distributor Bob Hamilton said he secured extra inventory early, but warns that "margins are being eaten alive" by unpredictable import costs. The Cookout Crunch: Families Paying More for Fourth of July Basics This year's holiday cookouts are also costing more. According to Axios, the average cost of July 4 cookout staples—like beef, buns, soda, and condiments—has jumped 12.7% year-over-year. Items like hamburger meat and ice cream are among the steepest climbers, as import-linked ingredients and packaging materials face cost pressure. An Axios/Ipsos poll found 32% of Americans are opting for cheaper food options—like pizza or store-brand hot dogs—rather than hosting traditional barbecues. Economist Natalie Ortega of the National Retail Federation told Axios the inflation isn't isolated: "It's not just food—it's grills, folding chairs, decorations. Tariffs are driving up the cost of celebration." Small Businesses Caught in the Middle For small businesses, especially those relying on international supply chains, the pressure is mounting. According to a recent CBS MoneyWatch report, more than 30% of small firms say they've raised prices due to tariff-related costs, while others fear closure if current trade uncertainty continues. Shayai Lucero, owner of Earth & Sky Floral Designs in New Mexico, described her struggle to keep costs manageable. "Roses that used to cost under a dollar are now close to $2.50," she told CBS News. "We can't eat those costs forever." Trade groups have echoed these concerns. In comments cited by Financial Times, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned that business sentiment could weaken further if tariff escalation continues without diplomatic resolution. A Political Playbook or Economic Gamble? While the administration frames the move as reclaiming "economic independence," analysts are skeptical. Julia Sutherland, a policy analyst at the Brookings Institution, told CBS News that "tariffs are regressive taxes. They hit working families long before they touch corporations." Further analysis from Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan suggests the U.S. tariff burden is climbing toward 13%—levels not seen since the pre-WWII Smoot-Hawley era. Experts caution this could raise consumer prices into Q3 and chill capital expenditure among small manufacturers. What to Watch Next July 5: Official tariff letters expected to go out to U.S. trade partners. July 9: Deadline for the 90-day tariff pause to expire. August 1: Full implementation of new tariffs anticipated. Global reactions could follow. India has floated WTO action, while the EU and China are weighing possible retaliatory tariffs. Meanwhile, U.S. families are adjusting to holiday inflation. As noted by AP News, even sales of essentials like soft drinks and paper goods have dipped in lower-income households, which are disproportionately affected by price volatility. Final Thought While July 4 remains a day to celebrate American independence, 2025's edition offers a deeper reflection: What does economic independence mean when it comes at a rising cost to small businesses and families? As the country watches fireworks, many on Main Street are watching price tags—and wondering what the rest of the summer will bring.
