The fireworks industry in the United States has sounded an alarm over rising costs and potential shortages, due to "Liberation Day" tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Even as skies across the country light up in celebration of July 4, the day marking U.S. independence, fireworks sellers are increasingly worrying about the future of their businesses.
The vast majority of fireworks used in the United States -- both consumer-grade and professional -- are imported from China, a country long regarded as the global leader in pyrotechnics. However, "Liberation Day" tariffs, announced by Trump in April, have driven up the cost of Independence Day firecrackers for American consumers and businesses.
"Fireworks are a Chinese product. They always have been. They invented gunpowder. They have all the chemicals, they have the research, they have the designers. You could tariff fireworks to 3- or 400 percent. They're never going to get manufactured here in the United States because we just don't have the resources," said Roberto Sorgi, co-owner of the American Fireworks Company, a family-run fireworks wholesale and retail business operating since 1902.
Sorgi said that his company was fortunate to secure most of its shipments before Trump ignited the trade war, but the recent sky-high tariffs of up to 145 percent on Chinese imports hit at the worst possible time for smaller vendors across the industry.
Although a temporary trade truce in May brought levies down to 30 percent, the damage for many smaller vendors had already been done.
As a result, several halted their orders, leading to firework shortages and price hikes for consumers shopping for their favorite fireworks for Independence Day this year.
"We've never encountered such volatility when it comes to pricing and supply chain, as it is today, with the tariffs that were looming and that are on us right now, it's a scary time," said Sorgi.
Larger vendors have absorbed costs, moving forward with their July 4th fireworks show this year, said Sorgi, but industry insiders have sounded alarm for celebrations next year, as Chinese manufacturers are pulling back on production.
The American Pyrotechnics Association and the National Fireworks Association recently wrote a letter to U.S. President Trump calling for an exemption, similar to one they received in 2019.
Without it, the trade groups warn that tariffs would cripple the fireworks industry and jeopardize businesses and celebrations tied to America's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Sorgi agreed but cautioned that, exemption or not, the fuse has already been lit for higher prices for next year's July 4th festivities.
"If we can get the exemption we want and need for our industry to help celebrate, we could be expecting a 10-percent to 15-percent increase going into next year. But if we don't get that exemption, you're looking anywhere from a 35-percent to 45-percent increase in the next year," said Sorgi.
US fireworks industry feels impact of Trump tariffs
