Fireworks industry sounds alarm over Trump tariffs: Are Fourth of July shows in jeopardy?

SEABROOK — The shelves at Phantom Fireworks are well stocked, but the pyrotechnic industry is on edge following President Donald Trump's 145% tariff on all Chinese imports, as nearly all the world's fireworks are made in China.

Bruce Zoldan, president of Phantom Fireworks, the nation's second-largest fireworks producer, has already raised alarms on future supply at the company’s headquarters in Youngstown, Ohio.

“Firework production is stopped,” Zoldan told his local TV station WKBN. “We have given all our factories in China the word to stop for the time being because we can’t afford to buy at 145%, and neither can any of the other fireworks companies in the world or here in the States.”

The tariff percentage increased from an initial 20% after President Trump recently imposed an additional 125% tariff on Chinese imports.

The concept of making fireworks in America to avoid the tariffs is not realistic, said Mark Anderson, spokesman for the National Fireworks Association. Plus, even if that were possible, he said, it would take decades to ramp up production enough to supply sufficient quantities here.

“That’s because of regulations in the United States,” Anderson said, “the price of labor and the availability of the raw materials used. China makes fireworks for countries all over the world, and each country has different regulations they have to meet.”

Fireworks industry feels heat of Trump tariffs

Anderson said the fireworks industry in the United States is seasonal, with many states’ demands peaking in summer, while others, like Texas, around New Year's celebrations.

Chinese factories make fireworks for each nation during specific periods of time during the year, he said.

The production window for U.S. fireworks in China is open now, he said, and if missed, the nation could face shortages on July 4, 2026— the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Stacy Blake, president of the National Fireworks Association, is the owner of Missouri-based Schneitter Fireworks Company, which has sold and distributed consumer and display fireworks for 130 years. She said the supplies of fireworks for 2025 are in American warehouses and on store shelves. The production for the 2026 supply, she said, is in real jeopardy if the tariff situation cannot be resolved quickly. That’s because once the production window for the United States’ fireworks closes in China, it won’t reopen until next year.

“Right now, our shelves in Seabrook are as full as they can be,” said Megan Kearns, Phantom Fireworks' regional manager.

The challenge will come in 2026, when the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“We’re in the danger zone for 2026,” Blake said. “Right now is when the Chinese factories should be manufacturing for the United States market for the 2026 season. But they aren’t. I’ve halted production, too.”

The making of fireworks in China is cyclical, she said, traditionally when U.S. production ends, Chinese factories close for the summer months due to the heat. When they reopen in the fall, China manufactures for the European fireworks market. After that, they make fireworks for China’s use. Then they would be back to the U.S. window again in the spring of 2026, she said, but that should produce the 2027 inventory.

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“We’re an industry that runs 12 to 18 months ahead with supply,” Blake said. “I’m telling my customers to order and shop early.”

The NFA is hearing from its members, Anderson said, and its advice is for them to reach out to their Congressional delegations and have them exert pressure to have the tariff on Chinese fireworks reduced.

Some of Trump’s tariffs have been postponed for a few months, but there has not been a relaxation of tariffs on China announced as of yet.

“In 2019, when President Trump imposed tariffs, fireworks were exempted,” Blake said. “We were expecting that to happen again this time. It didn’t, and we’re worried. We may be only a $2.2 billion business, but both Red and Blue states enjoy fireworks. If there aren’t any, people are going to know it.”

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The four fireworks retail outlets in Seabrook sell only consumer-level fireworks usually on a seasonal basis. Some are small businesses that depend on the summer sales, as do others in many parts of the country.

Display fireworks are also made in China. These are the rockets that explode in the skies in shimmering colors, delighting kids of all ages. At Hampton Beach that is every summer Wednesday evening, along with special summer holidays, like the Fourth of July.

A tremendous draw of residents and tourists for local beach businesses, the cost of these weekly displays is underwritten by the Hampton Beach Village District.

According to Blake, if the companies that launch fireworks displays already purchased and stockpiled their supplies for this summer, there shouldn’t be a problem. If not, gaps in supply could cause prices to rise, due to demand exceeding supply.

Hampton Selectman and Beach Commissioner Chuck Rage said thanks to a long-term contract with its display fireworks company, Hampton’s Wednesday night fireworks are secure.

“We’ve booked everything,” Rage said. “There was an increase in price, but we expected that because of our long-term contract. The company we use has already bought the fireworks we need.”

Blake said she and some of her colleagues met with White House officials to plead their case to relax the tariffs on fireworks. She expressed hope that their discussions will lead to a resolution, ensuring the vibrant bursts of red, white, blue, green, yellow, and orange will once again light up American skies next Independence Day.

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