BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — As Independence Day approaches, local fireworks retailers say customers are unlikely to notice significant price increases this year despite higher costs affecting the industry.
According to the National Fireworks Association, consumer fireworks imported from China remain subject to tariffs of about 25 percent. While those tariffs are lower than earlier this year, businesses continue to face increased expenses tied to shipping and supply chain challenges.
Because the vast majority of consumer fireworks sold in the United States are manufactured in China, retailers have been closely watching changes in import costs.
At Ohio Fireworks in Bellaire, staff say they have been able to keep retail prices largely unchanged for customers this summer.
While some products have become more expensive for the business to purchase, store officials said those higher costs have not resulted in major price increases for shoppers.
Employees also say customer traffic has been similar to previous years, with the busiest shopping period still expected to occur during the days leading up to the Fourth of July.
Among this year’s best-selling items are Roman candles and assorted fireworks packages as families prepare for Independence Day celebrations.
