Latest news with #AmericanPyrotechnicsAssociation
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
How have tariffs impacted fireworks prices?
Our nation's birthday is just about a month away, and the cost for a key element to the fun is now "up in the air." As Americans plan July Fourth festivities, WCCO wanted to know how tariffs have impacted fireworks prices. A rainbow of excitement adorns the shelves at Fireworks Nation in North Hudson, Wisconsin. "Every year the product gets better and better, and safer," said Anders Nelson, owner of Fireworks Nation. He says customers have asked him if the price of his fireworks has gone up amid President Trump's trade war with China. "We're not raising our prices at Fireworks Nation," he said confidently. "Some of our shipments were affected by the tariffs, and we definitely saw our costs are up this year. Shipping costs are up, but we're holding our prices." While their prices hold steady, other retailers might raise them, according to Julie Heckman. She's the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. "(Price hikes) will depend on whether the retailer got their product here prior to the tariff hikes and if not, how much can they absorb versus what do they need to pass on to the consumer," said Heckman. She says consumer fireworks, the kind people buy at the store, already had a 5.3% tariff. It jumped to 20% in early March as the trade war got started. By April 9, reciprocal tariffs were pushed as high as 145%. "It hit at the absolute worst time when all of our products are trying to get here from China for the Fourth of July," said Heckman. Nelson and other retailers typically order their fireworks from China a year in advance. They're produced in the fall and winter, then shipped in the months leading up to the next Fourth of July. "In our case, we had ships on the water, and so, of course, we had to take them in, so we did have some tariff charges or shipping charges. But all of the ones that had not been shipped, we put a halt on the orders," said Nelson. President Trump's 90-day pause on the tariffs was helpful, but Heckman said it kick-started other issues. "When the tariffs were reduced a couple of weeks ago to 30%, many of the importers said, 'Go ahead, put my containers on the water.' But the issue will be, will they get here in time for the Fourth of July?" said Heckman. Most of Nelson's current product arrived before the new tariffs hit, so he's not worried about the upcoming holiday. "We're a volume dealer. We are more than a year ahead in our purchasing, and so we've been building our inventories," said Nelson. There is industry-wide concern regarding 2026, when the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday. "The demand is going to be very high, plus [Fourth of July] falls on a Saturday, a weekend," said Nelson. Fireworks production in China came to a halt during the height of the tariffs, said Heckman, including workers being laid off. Production resumed once the tariffs were paused, but the delay created a potential supply chain problem that lingers into next year. "We are very concerned about 2026 because we lost vital manufacturing production time," said Heckman. Given the uncertainty with the trade war and how tariffs could impact prices in the months ahead, Heckman advises people to shop early. "Don't be surprised if there are some shortages. Shelves are not going to be bare, but there might just be a certain item that you're used to getting that maybe that retailer doesn't have in stock this year," said Heckman. Nelson wants people to shop smart and seek the best prices. More importantly, he wants them to make sure they're being smart about how they use the fireworks. "When you come together and you have your party, just make certain that you're safe. Read the labels on the packages and have a great, fun, safe, and happy Fourth of July," said Nelson. Studies show that over 96% of all fireworks in the U.S. come from China. Last year, that amounted to $452 million in product. Heckman would like to see the fireworks industry get a special exemption from heightened tariffs, which she said is what happened during Mr. Trump's first term.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariffs on China threaten to cripple Tampa's fireworks industry and small businesses
The Brief 125% tariffs on goods imported from China threaten Tampa's fireworks industry. The industry's busy season for importing is now ahead of the Fourth of July. Experts say the U.S. cannot duplicate the production of fireworks. TAMPA, Fla. - President Donald Trump's 125% tariffs on China are sparking major issues for the fireworks industry. China has a near monopoly on retail firecrackers, and the tariffs have ignited panic from many local businesses. The sudden spike threatens Fourth of July celebrations and many livelihoods. What they're saying "A lot of your mom and pops will not be able to withstand it," said Sharon Hunnewell-Johnson, president of Galaxy Fireworks in Tampa. READ: Tariffs live updates: Trump's sweeping plan takes effect, including 104% on China Local fireworks companies say the tariffs that went into place are unsustainable for their industry. "Fireworks have never been made in the United States nor can they be made in United States. We do not have the infrastructure, we don't have the chemicals," said Hunnewell-Johnson. On the shelves of Galaxy Fireworks, you'll find all the traditional crackers and bangs, a booming gender reveal section and a display dedicated to President Trump himself. Dig deeper All are in jeopardy now because of the 125% tariffs imposed on goods from China. "The risk for our business is a lot of people might be laid off after this year or whether we're going to be able to go forward," said Hunnewell-Johnson. She says her shipment of firecrackers on the way could now cost her a fortune. "Those containers on the water, you're looking at $300,000 to $400,000 is what that tariff is going to cost us," Hunnewell-Johnson said. They've halted all orders for the industry during peak shipping season ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "So these tariffs are very, very painful because they are hitting at the absolute worst time they could possibly impact the industry," said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. The backstory She said 99% of retail fireworks come from China. After all, the Chinese invented black powder, and she adds that the country has perfected the manufacturing process. Heckman said the United States cannot duplicate the industry. "If the skies are dark or there are no fireworks for sale at the local roadside stand, they're going to know it. I mean, they're going to feel that pain. We're hopeful that's not going to happen," said Heckman. If the tariffs last, she said, it could cripple the industry and the many livelihoods that depend on it. "You're talking a domino effect. You have employees, we have locations that we rent. So you have property owners, you have companies we deal with, like tent companies, portal light companies, you know, light tower companies," said Hunnewell-Johnson. "There are a lot of different companies that are involved with what we do. It's not just a fireworks company." READ: Dozens of people recovering from sickness after eating at South Tampa restaurant The industry is now trying to petition Washington and the White House for an exemption from the tariffs. "Everybody go out to their senators and representatives and try to push to save the fireworks industry," said Hunnewell-Johnson. What's next Regarding what customers can expect, Galaxy said they are looking at increasing prices using an average with the product it already has in stock. Still, the longer the tariffs go on, they're not sure just how expensive fireworks could get. The Source FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS LIVE: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
