Skyrocketing firework prices could put shows in jeopardy this summer
Tariffs could impact your Fourth of July plans. With fireworks prices increasing, some communities may cancel or scale back their shows.
"99% of consumer fireworks, if not almost 100%, come from China. There's very little if any professional display fireworks made in this country," said Joe Rozzi, part-owner of Rozzi's Fireworks in Loveland.
The family business is famous for its elaborate displays at Red's games, King's Island and the Western and Southern WEBN Fireworks on Labor Day. Joe says they already ordered supplies for this summer, but he's worried about next year.
"The small town USA is not going to be able to afford it. It's going to change the dynamic significantly," said Joe.
During the first week of July, Joe said Rozzi's typically puts on 60 to 80 displays around the Tri-state. He's worried about what could happen to the shows if prices increase by 40%.
"Most of these are taxpayer-funded. So they have to take that into consideration. I would suspect that some of the smaller communities may decide it's just not a good idea," said Joe.
Joe says right now, the U.S. does not have the infrastructure or workforce to meet the fireworks demand.
"They're dangerous to make. It's the most dangerous part of this industry. They're not clean, nice factories like chip manufacturers or iPhone plants. So where's all that going to come from?," said Joe.
Joe says he is hoping for relief. The American Pyrotechnic Association has filed an appeal to the Trump administration to make an exception for fireworks.