Tariffs on fireworks create constraints for upcoming holidays

Paul Myers, owner of Shueyville-based Boom Boom Billy’s Fireworks, is feeling the effects of soaring costs caused by American tariffs on Chinese imports.

Before the Trump administration’s 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods went into effect April 9, Myers bought as many cases of fireworks as he could afford so he wouldn’t have to pay a price hike. But in order to make the purchase, Myers said he had to dip into his savings and sell some personal belongings.

American and Chinese government officials announced May 12 that their reciprocal tariffs — 145 percent on Chinese products coming into the U.S., and 125 percent tariffs on U.S. exports entering China — were being decreased for 90 days. For now, the U.S. is imposing a 30 percent tariff, and China has dropped its tariff to 10 percent.

Despite that reprieve, Myers said the tariffs have already hit the fireworks industry hard because most consumer fireworks are made overseas.

“There isn't a single company in the United States that makes a firework, so everything has to be bought from China because that's where they make 95 percent of the fireworks,” he said.

Iowa law sets dates when consumer fireworks can be sold. If the fireworks are being sold out of a temporary structure — like a tent — those dates are June 13-July 8. Fireworks can be sold from permanent structures during two time frames: June1-July 8 and Dec. 10-Jan. 3.

Myers said that he tries to avoid raising prices on his fireworks because he wants Iowans to be able to enjoy them for summer holidays, but with his costs increasing, he isn’t sure he’ll be able to maintain the lower prices.

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“I don't know if we can keep the prices where they're at,” Myers said, adding that if someone has budget constraints, they’ll opt for necessities — groceries and housing — before purchasing products like fireworks.

Myers isn’t the only one feeling the effects of increased costs.

The Cedar Boat Club announced that this year’s fireworks show near Ellis Harbor has been canceled due to “skyrocketing costs.”

In a Facebook post earlier this week — and first reported by KCRG-TV9 — the boat club said that while this year’s show — which draws hundreds of people to Ellis Harbor — is canceled, the 2026 show will be its “largest celebration yet” in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday.

Cedar Boat Club members, in the social media post, said the cost of fireworks alone is not the only factor in canceling this year’s show. It’s all of the other expenses that also go into putting on a public show.

Brittany Barnhart, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, said organizers of the summer celebration still are moving forward with their plans. While the cost of fireworks did not increase for the festival, like the boat club, other expenses have gone up.

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“We've been working with the same company for 42 years,” Barnhart said of the festival’s fireworks show on July 4. “That price has gone slightly up just over time (but) right now we're still paying the same that we paid last year for our fireworks.”

She said that the festival has seen price increases for law enforcement’s presence, providing Dumpsters and portable bathrooms, and working with contracted sound and stage companies for the event.

However, Barnhart said they have been able to manage the rising costs of some aspects of the event through more grant funding and restructuring how they work with sponsors.

Firework restrictions

The threat of increased costs for fireworks comes as the Iowa Legislature passed a bill this year that limits the restrictions local governments can put on residents’ use of consumer fireworks.

Currently, local ordinances — including those passed by city councils and county supervisors — can restrict the use of consumer and display fireworks.

Many Eastern Iowa cities, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty, have banned residents from setting off fireworks.

Senate File 303, which was passed by the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, prohibits restrictions on fireworks on July 3 and 4 and Dec. 31.

Supporters of the legislation said it would give Iowans the freedom to celebrate Independence Day.

During House debate over the bill earlier this month, Rep. Eric Gjerde, D-Cedar Rapids, who opposed the legislation, said fireworks cause an uptick in 911 calls when people mistake them for gunshots. He said they also can be a trigger for veterans with PTSD.

“I enjoy a good firework this way, but I also think we need to be certain that what’s the best interest for everybody,” Gjerde said.

Olivia Cohen covers energy and environment for The Gazette and is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.

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Comments: olivia.cohen@thegazette.com