How China tariffs could impact fireworks prices in Oklahoma

Fireworks have lit up America’s skies on the Fourth of July since 1777. But this year, retailers warn that rising tariffs on Chinese-made pyrotechnics could soon raise the cost of celebrating the nation’s birthday.

Nearly All Fireworks Are Imported from China

Yahaira Casanova browsed the shelves at Phantom Fireworks in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, stocking up on sparklers, Roman candles, and her personal favorite—“Wicked.”

“We got Wicked, we got sparklers, we got Roman candles—which is more or less our favorite,” Casanova said.

Business is booming at the store, which offers more than 500 types of fireworks. But nearly every single item on the shelves has one thing in common: a “Made in China” label.

According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, China supplies 99% of consumer fireworks and 90% of professional display fireworks sold in the U.S.

“Every year it seems like people want more and they want bigger,” said Dan Peart, Director of Government Affairs for Phantom Fireworks.

Tariffs Could Change the Industry by Next Year

Peart said the company halted some production earlier this year when import tariffs spiked to 145% in April. They’ve since dropped back to 30%, prompting the company to resume partial ordering, but not everything.

“It hasn't impacted anything that we ordered,” Peart said. “But we reopened for some of the products to start coming over again. Not everything, because frankly we don't need to.”

Frequent customer Eric Soares says he typically spends between $600 and $800 on his annual display and hasn’t noticed much difference, yet.

“I think the prices are about the same as last year, actually,” Soares said. “And even with the coupons it makes it even better.”

Most fireworks sold this summer were made in fall and winter 2023, then shipped well in advance of Independence Day.

“Customers might be spared the heat this year,” said CBS’s Bradley Blackburn, reporting from the store. “But shoppers may notice a bump next year, when the United States marks its 250th birthday.”

Retailers Hope for Tariff Relief Before 2025

The fireworks industry is already lobbying the U.S. government for relief, asking that fireworks receive an exclusion from the tariffs, similar to what happened in 2019.

“We are hopeful that fireworks will again be given an exclusion to the imports from China,” Peart said.

For many shoppers, the idea of a Fourth of July without fireworks isn’t even an option.

“Can you imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks?” Blackburn asked.

“No! It’d just be like a barbecue,” said Eric Soares, Jr.

Some shoppers are still going big. The largest single purchase at Phantom Fireworks this season? More than $10,000 worth of pyrotechnics.