Tariffs Threaten to Extinguish Fireworks Industry as Sales Boom Under New Ohio Laws

Northeast Ohio’s fireworks industry faces a striking paradox as new tariffs threaten supply chains while recently relaxed state laws have dramatically increased consumer demand.

Explosive Tariff Increases Hit Industry Hard

Phantom Fireworks, based in Youngstown and one of the largest fireworks retailers in the country with 80 showrooms across 15 states, has paused production due to the staggering 145 percent tariff placed on Chinese goods by President Trump.

Bill Weimer, vice president of Phantom Fireworks, called the situation “a tremendous burden” and confirmed they’ve stopped production in China, describing it as “an impossible situation.”

The fireworks industry finds itself in a unique predicament because approximately 95-99% of consumer fireworks used in America come from China, leaving companies with virtually no alternative sources. As Bruce Zoldan, CEO of Phantom Fireworks, has explained, “It’s virtually impossible for our product to be made anywhere else but in China.”

The tariffs have significantly increased the total duty on imported consumer-grade fireworks to 59.3%, up from 5.3%, while professional display fireworks now face a 106.4% duty, up from just 2.4%. This dramatic increase represents an existential crisis for an industry that relies almost exclusively on Chinese manufacturing, where fireworks production dates back 2,000 years.

2025 Celebrations May Still Proceed

Despite the grim outlook, Bruce Zoldan believes the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations will likely continue, though supplies may be tight. “The Fourth of July will probably be very tight. I think most firework importers will have brought in 65 to 75% of their needs for this year’s order,” he said.

Phantom Fireworks managed to rush import about 65% of its inventory before the tariffs took effect, but the remaining 35% could cost nearly triple what it did just weeks ago. This forces difficult decisions about which communities will receive fireworks and which might see their skies remain dark during celebrations.

The Irony: More Freedom, Higher Prices

As tariffs threaten to make fireworks unaffordable, Ohio residents have finally gained the legal right to use them after decades of restrictions. A significant change occurred in Ohio’s fireworks regulations when a new law took effect on July 1, 2022, allowing Ohioans to legally discharge consumer-grade fireworks on their own property or on another person’s property with permission, but only on specific holidays and during designated times.

The law permits consumer fireworks use on and around July Fourth and other specified holidays in communities that have not enacted ordinances prohibiting it.

American Fireworks in Hudson has experienced “booming” sales since the law change, with John Sorgi of American Fireworks noting increased customer comfort: “There’s a lot more comfort. I mean, it’s just in terms of like not thinking they are going to get in trouble.”

The Sorgi family has operated American Fireworks in Hudson since 1902. Roberto Sorgi, the owner, had long anticipated the legalization of consumer fireworks in Ohio, noting that “We’ve watched the states around us all open up and us sort of just stay on the backburner.”

Many Communities Opt Out of New Fireworks Law

Despite the state law allowing fireworks, many Northeast Ohio municipalities have chosen to opt out and impose their own ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within their limits. Cities including Akron, Barberton, Cleveland, Euclid, Highland Heights, North Royalton, Shaker Heights, South Euclid, Strongsville and Twinsburg have all prohibited fireworks.

America’s 250th Birthday at Risk

The industry is particularly concerned about America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026, which President Trump has promised will be “the biggest celebration in U.S. history.” Industry leaders warn there is “no backup plan” if the tariff situation isn’t resolved, as fireworks orders for this historic anniversary need to be placed now.

The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) and National Fireworks Association (NFA) continue to appeal to President Trump, arguing that the increased tariff costs could cripple small businesses and dampen patriotic celebrations.