For most Americans, July fourth fireworks is a not-to-be-missed event wherein they get together to burst them or head someplace to watch a communal display. Businesses import fireworks in large quantities as most of America celebrates independence with a bang and boom. But this year, as inflation hits fireworks stands, businesses have been skeptical about sales.
American manufacturers produce an estimated 6.7 million pounds of fireworks a year. They tend to produce ones with more flair and import large quantities from China, the world’s biggest fireworks manufacturer. Since 2010, China has supplied nearly 85% of the world’s fireworks. As per the latest data available with the US International Trade Commission, the country imported over 185 million pounds of fireworks, not including special deliveries of July Fourth fireworks. It is almost 27% more than last year’s record, whereas fireworks sales increase the most in May and June.
Inflation hits fireworks stand
Pyromaniac Fireworks owner Gary Graham told Wane that as inflation hits fireworks stands, business owners are trying to find different ways to deal with the high cost. He said, “I think there are two mindsets for firework store owners right now. Do we mark this stuff at what we have traditionally marked it at, or are we willing to eat margin this year and still offer a good product and put something in people’s backyards that they can actually afford.” According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), overall costs to the industry are up 35%. Meanwhile, local businesses are trying to keep prices manageable so that people can enjoy July fourth fireworks. They also mentioned how fireworks were much cheaper 12 years ago, although business has been booming in the past two years. The pyrotechnics association believes that people will spend close to $2.3 billion on July 4 fireworks this year. Local businessmen also revealed that a 40-foot container containing fireworks that cost $11,000 in January 2020 now costs as much as $45,000.
Transportation and labor costs have also risen, with the hike in global gas prices, and companies need to find a way to move sparklers to retail locations on time. In a statement, the APA also admitted that “Due to the supply-chain crisis, the fireworks industry is competing with corporations like FedEx and Amazon to meet the high seasonal demands associated with Independence Day and other summer festivals, with limited rental companies and an increased demand. Just like empty car dealership lots due to lack of computer chips, truck rental companies also are dealing with a four- to six-month backlog waiting for cargo boxes to be mounted on truck chassis.” All these factors have affected prices but people continue to be excited for the annual holiday.
Due to a record high inflation, prices have remained high even for products that are easily available. Shoppers have definitely felt the pinch and a few complained about the increase in prices but bought some regardless. Some experts attribute the rise in demand to people celebrating at home as travel and other forms of celebration become expensive.
What Do Fireworks Symbolize On 4th Of July
So what do the fireworks symbolize on 4th of July and why is it such a big deal? For most Americans, it is a time for celebration and fun. Some texts attribute it to John Adams’ letter to his wife Abigail, after signing the Declaration of Independence. He urged her to celebrate the occasion with fireworks. However, it was only much later that this tradition became an unavoidable part and parcel of the US Independence Day celebrations. Today, fireworks are used to celebrate everything from Independence Day to New Year’s Eve. One of the most popular attractions is the July 4th fireworks Boston also known as the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade.
