Save Our Fireworks

    N. Sioux City, SD -  Association (NFA) President Don Lantis at Lantis Fireworks in North Sioux City, South Dakota.  “I was pleased to have Congressman Johnson here at Lantis Fireworks,” said the NFA President. “He understands the regulatory challenges facing our industry and is committed to being a voice for small family-run fireworks businesses.” During the visit, Lantis talked with Johnson about the proposed rule from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that would limit the amount of powdered metal in the burst charge of aerial fireworks that would dramatically alter their performance and potentially make them less safe. Congressman Johnson and Lantis also talked about the proposed 25% tariffs on Chinese imports that would affect consumer fireworks. Lantis pressed the NFA’s position that the tariff is really a “boom tax” and would severely hurt the industry.  “Fireworks serve as a symbol of celebration for our nation’s independence and heritage,” sai

WASHINGTON –  The National Fireworks Association (NFA), the leading trade association representing the consumer fireworks industry is releasing its annual list of safety guidelines for consumers purchasing fireworks ahead of Independence Day next week.  “The NFA wants to wish everyone a happy and joyous Independence Day,”  said Steve Houser, Secretary of the National Fireworks Association.  “It’s important to remember the two best ways to stay safe is to use fireworks as directed and always have a designated shooter.” The NFA offer these safety tips to consumers who are using fireworks this year to celebrate the Fourth of July.  Ø   Only purchase fireworks from licensed fireworks dealers. Never from someone on the street corner. Ø   Carefully read all safety instructions on the fireworks label and follow the instructions exactly. Ø   Never try to relight a dud firework.  Ø   Obey all laws including local regarding where fireworks can be legally fired.    If you’re n

“Imposing tariffs on these products at any amount will cause harm not only to the network of U.S. retailers and distributors who supply fireworks, but also consumers who enjoy them,” wrote Nancy Blogin, executive director of the Kansas City-based National Fireworks Association. The association  held its annual convention in Wichita  last year. According to the association, fireworks have not been manufactured in mass quantities in the United States since the early 1990s, because the process is labor-intensive and highly regulated here. To read the full article, please click here . Read more here: https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article231680058.html#storylink=cpy

Fireworks businesses depend almost entirely on the month of July to sustain their businesses, according to the National Fireworks Association. For many distributors, 85% of annual revenue are made that month, while retailers make about 80% of their revenue in five days or fewer in that same month, the association said. Since distributers and wholesalers typically prepare for July 4 and the summer season a year in advance, starting typically in August or September, next month’s celebrations won’t be affected by the potential tariffs, according to the National Fireworks Association. Still, the prospect of increased costs next year means that many businesses are considering raising prices this year to hedge against the possibility of tariffs. And with the industry operating on “razor-thin margins,” there is no room to absorb any of the costs, which would inevitably be passed on to American consumers, the association said. To read the full article, click here . 

Kansas City, MO   –   The National Fireworks Association (NFA) today   submitted formal comments   on the proposed #BoomTax on fireworks imported from China and asked the commission listening to public comments to permanently remove fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices from the list.   “We’re pleased with the opportunity to make our voice heard and hope the commission considers this move because it would be a win for consumers, small businesses and non-profit organizations throughout our country,” said Steve Houser, NFA Secretary.   Consumer and display fireworks account for an annual economic impact of over $1 billion with a majority of that being the two-week period before the Fourth of July when fireworks are sold at tents, road side stands, and small businesses across America. A 25-percent tariff – or the boom tax – would be a significant cost that consumers will pay at the cash register. “Fireworks are extremely unique,” said Houser.  “They’re sold seasonally

From the Macomb Daily: After the announcement of the tariffs, the National Fireworks Association pointed out the levy could also cut deeply into the revenue streams of legions of small businesses, local economies, and the school group and nonprofits that rely on fireworks for fundraisers, according to a report by The Washington Post . "The fireworks stands and tents you see in grocery store parking lots and on the roadsides serve as fundraising opportunities for organizations like school boosters, churches and veterans' organizations," said the National Fireworks Association in a news release responding to the tariffs. "With an unfair tax that serves to raise the cost of firework devices so significantly, we're hurting the very organizations that make up the fabric of America." To read the full story, click here

From the Fireworks Bridgade Pyro Podcast : "This very special episode of Fireworks Brigade tackles a very important issue that could have an adverse effect on anyone who enjoys fireworks. The escalating trade clash between the United States and China has sent thousands of U.S. companies scrambling to determine whether they could source goods from other countries to escape higher tariffs. But when Trump threatened to tag large penalties in $300 billion in Chinese imports earlier this month, a sense of panic settled over the fireworks industry. It had nowhere else to go. Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker talk with NFA Secretary, Steve Houser about the potential fallout and what you can do." To sign the NFA petition to stop the #BoomTax, please click here .

A tariff could take some of the bang out of fireworks sales in the Region in future years, potentially making some of the "buy one, get six free" promotions financially unfeasible. "It’s important to understand that our only source for nearly all of today’s consumer fireworks is China," the National Fireworks Association said in a statement. "With the regulatory and wage environment in America today, very little if any consumer fireworks can be produced here. This proposed tariff is an excise tax resulting in an estimated $200 million in increased cost for the consumer at the point of sale." The National Fireworks Association is urging consumers to pressure elected officials to oppose what it's calling the "#BoomTax." Read the full article here

The  American Fireworks News  cites higher wage costs and stricter regulations in the United States as well as a lack of time to grow manufacturing for next year as reasons firework production in the United States will not be able to compete with Chinese imports. Schneitter Fireworks sells to private customers but mainly acts as a nationwide wholesale company. Blake said since 25 percent is a steep increase, Schneitter Fireworks would be forced to translate the rising buying cost into its sales prices. This would impact not only private buyers but also wholesale buyers and fireworks displays. “We as an industry are calling it the ‘boom tax,’” Blake said. “We wouldn’t be able to just eat that 25 percent.” The APA has filed a request to testify during the U.S. Trade Representative’s public hearing on June 17 in order to achieve a tariff exemptions for firework imports, according to the  American Fireworks News , while The National Fireworks Association has started a p