Firework prices could skyrocket due to tariffs

With Memorial Day sparking the start of the season for many in the firework business, some shops said they were able to stock up before the tariffs on China took effect.

“A little bit challenging early on with everyone acquiring their product before the tariffs hit… there’s going to be a shortage of products in America itself, not necessarily my store, but some stores might not have everything they normally have,” said Kirk Bryan, owner of Ba - Boom Fireworks.

Other companies like Pop Pop Fireworks, formally known as Doug’s Fireworks, also put in their orders early and are ready for the summer. However, Shane Boyle, a sales representative said if other businesses waited to place their orders with Chinese factories, they took a hit.

“You’re looking at an almost 30, 40 thousand dollars increase on that shipping container that was brought in, so they reject it and send it back, but they have to pay a $8000 fee for… returning the cargo unit… I heard there was over 2000 cargo units returned… We’ll start looking into it towards, you know, September, December, around that area, we’ll start looking and ordering for the next season because it usually takes a good four or five months to get our stuff in and that’s when it gets scary to start seeing the pricing,” said Boyle.

So, while the price tags might look about the same this season as last year, next year could look different, especially with a nationwide celebration on the way.

“Next year’s going to be our country’s 250th year anniversary, so that’s going to be a great ordeal also next year so, we’re just hoping that the United States and China will come to a reasonable agreement that’s good for their country and ours,” said Bryan.