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Fourth of July Fireworks Costs Jump Even After Temporary Tariff Reduction

Industry groups press for permanent exemptions to ease ongoing import cost pressures following the 90-day tariff reprieve

A fireworks display explodes in the sky of Ames, Iowa on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
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Overview

  • The temporary reduction of tariffs from 145% to 30% has failed to stop some consumer fireworks prices from doubling ahead of July 4th.
  • Retailers like Uncle Sam’s Fireworks in Indiana have doubled Roman candle prices to $13.95 per package, resulting in noticeable declines in daily sales.
  • Larger importers and suburbs such as Skokie and Northbrook avoided higher rates by locking in contracts before April’s tariff increase.
  • Community displays, including Evanston’s, are absorbing roughly $10,000 in additional costs to preserve show size despite higher import expenses.
  • The American Pyrotechnics Association is lobbying for permanent exemptions, warning that uncertainty beyond the 90-day pause hinders small-business planning.