President Trump lit the fuse on sweeping tariffs on April 2, which he called "Liberation Day." Ian Lee explains how import taxes on fireworks could affect America's 250th birthday celebration, next year.

Saint Joseph

Donald Trump has signed an order to impose tariffs imports into the U.S. from countries including China, Mexico and Canada.

Global Tariffs

A fireworks retailer in St Joseph, Missouri, is concerned about the impact of newly imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, as nearly all consumer fireworks sold in the United States are manufactured in China. The retailer notes that even small increases in costs due to tariffs will be passed on to customers, potentially affecting their business margins.

The American Pyrotechnics Association has warned that the current 30% tariff could force small fireworks businesses to close and is urging the administration to consider exemptions. With uncertainty over future tariffs, some customers are buying early to avoid potential price hikes, and there are concerns that upcoming national celebrations could be affected if a trade deal is not reached.

Missouri fireworks retailer worried about tariff impact

Kovacs fireworks in Saint Joseph, Missouri is a blast of patriotic pyrotechnics. We just have a lot of fun stuff growing up. Sidney Hook saw her family's one stand expand into three, but looking around, you'll notice every potential bang, pop of color and flash of light is made in China. How do tariffs impact you when 100% of your product comes from China? I'd say it directly impacts us. Everything is coming straight there. China makes 99% of all consumer fireworks sold in the United States with hundreds of thousands of dollars in inventory. Even the slightest increase bites into hooks margins. That cost will go onto the customer. There will be some things that we will take but a shorter markup on. Kovacs says their fireworks arrived after President Trump dropped the tariff from 145 to 30%. Others weren't so lucky. The American Pyrotechnics Association warns the current tariff at 30% threatens to shutter small fireworks businesses nationwide and is urging the Trump administration to consider an exemption. You can't have 4th July without fireworks with all the uncertainty. Some customers like Christopher Carter are thinking about next year. With tariffs, you never know, so I would just say if you have the finances. By everything you want to have for the future now, and if a deal with Beijing isn't reached next 4th of July. America's 250th birthday could also look a bit dimmer.

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Missouri fireworks retailer worried about tariff impact

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