Justin Bartlett, a manager at Crossroads Fireworks, said over 90% of fireworks sold in the U.S. come from China.
BETTENDORF, Iowa — With the Fourth of July being next week, fireworks stores in the Quad Cities are keeping regular prices despite the ongoing trade dispute with China.
Back in April, President Donald Trump slapped a 145% tariff on all goods shipped from China. Since then, both countries have agreed to reduce the tariff rate.
Products across the U.S. continue to see a significant climb in prices, with this holiday tradition being no different. Over 90% of fireworks sold in the U.S. come from China.
Justin Bartlett, a manager at Crossroads Fireworks Superstore in Bettendorf, said stores like his avoided changes to their stock due to lucky timing.
“Most of the product that’s in the U.S. right now came in before the tariffs went crazy on us,” Bartlett said. “Before the 145% tariff that was high enough that would shut things down at that level.”
Some fireworks at Crossroads did come in higher this year, but Bartlett said they chose to keep prices the same and absorb the extra costs — all to keep an annual tradition affordable for customers who look forward to shopping every year.
Bartlett said they’ll keep an eye out for next year, as the tide can turn if tariffs go up again.
“It does introduce a lot of uncertainty,” Bartlett said. “If the tariffs go back up and stay there, it will end our business but it would end a lot of businesses.”
WQAD contacted other local fireworks stores like Jake’s Fireworks, which said they also ordered their products from China before the tariffs were set.
