Booming prices: China tariffs could send firework prices sky-high

WAVERLY, Neb. (KLKN) — New tariffs on China could send firework prices sky-high, with customers getting less bang for their buck.

The Fourth of July is one week away, and many people are planning out their big firework show.

If you’re buying fireworks this weekend, you might not notice a big difference in prices just yet.

But in the next year, they could explode.

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The U.S. tariffs on China are creating a problem for retailers.

The tariffs are sitting anywhere between 35% and 50%, depending on when the fireworks were ordered.

Almost all of the fireworks lit in the U.S. are made in China, according to Forbes.

Doug Bellinger, the owner of Crazy Cracker Fireworks, said most retailers got their shipments in before the tariffs took effect.

So for now, customers might not notice a big change in prices.

“I think it’s around the same,” said Rick Greenwalt, a customer at Crazy Cracker’s stand in Waverly. “Now, some of the bigger ones, they’re starting to go up more in price, but you’ve got to expect that with everything going on right now.”

Bellinger said he has a couple of shipping containers sitting in China right now because it’s too expensive to have them shipped to the U.S.

For many retailers, their cheaper stock will be running out sooner than later.

When they have to place a new order and pay the tariffs, the ripple effect could shock customers.

Greenwalt said he sets a budget for fireworks every year, and he won’t be adjusting it for the higher prices.

“I’ll stay within the same budget,” he said. “If I end up getting less, then that’s fine and dandy. But you know, there’s always a show going on somewhere, and what I’ll do is just ride out to them and watch them.”