Press Release: NFA Submits Formal Comments on #BoomTax


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, often times for only 1 week a year.  Most of the fireworks retailers are not able have a gradual increase in pricing that builds throughout the year to cover the cost of the proposed tariff, instead they will be forced to raise prices by over 20% just to break even.  In addition, the wage and regulatory environment in America poses significant, if not absolute, barriers to domestic production of fireworks.  There is nowhere else for our industry to purchase our inventory.  Lastly, many of the retailers in the industry are non-profit organizations raising money for their churches, scouts, school groups and veterans’ organizations.  These are the very groups that comprise the American spirit that we celebrate on Independence Day and to put this kind of tax on those groups is just not right.”

The NFA has launched an online petition with over 5,200 signatures asking United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to stop the boom tax by removing fireworks from the list.

“The proposed tariffs would limit access to crucial supplies and result in significant cost increases that would be harmful to domestic companies and their employees. NFA does not believe this is the Administration’s intention, but it will be the effect. Trade policy should not be carried out on the backs of small business,” Houser concluded. 


About NFA: The National Fireworks Associationis a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the safety of consumer fireworks. Importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of commercial fireworks make up the over 1200 small businesses member companies who operate in the United States. 

# # #

Popular posts from this blog

Are You Ready to Promote Your Fireworks Demo?

Image
Our industry is rooted in the spirit of togetherness. Each year, millions of Americans come together in hundreds of thousands of neighborhoods each year to watch our industry light up  the skies in celebration of everything that makes our country great. Right now, our country is nervous with an uncertainty of when life might return back to normal. Practicing appropriate social distancing means we can’t all come together in our neighborhoods like we could have one year ago. So as we move through the next few weeks, we’re entering a very critical time for our industry - demo season. The NFA would like to help amplify your demo shoot via its social media  platforms and bring some much-needed joy to the millions of Americans who are staying in place at home in the process. Please, email  press@saveourfireworks.com  and let us know when you’re planning your demo shoot. On your own, you can do a few things to help you and advertise in your local community. First, be sure to
Read more

Boston Herald: Boston Pops cancels live July 4 concert, will hold virtual event

Image
From the Boston Herald (May 8, 2020): "But sparks quickly flew over the call. Hours after the announcement, the National Fireworks Association blasted out a statement saying it was 'disappointed in the mayor's decision' and calling on the state's congressional delegation to push back and 'save the Fourth.' 'While we acknowledge the need to remain safe and practice appropriate social distancing, we believe that can be done,' President Steve Houser said. 'Bostonians came out to see the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard which proved to be an uplifting event and we believe the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular would have provided a similar safe experience.' To read the full article, click here
Read more

Media Advisory: National Fireworks Expo Concludes Weeklong Expo Friday Evening with Grand Fireworks Display

Wichita, KS –  This week, the National Fireworks Association is hosting its  2018 Consumer Fireworks Expo  in Wichita at the Hyatt Regency Wichita.  Each day this week, fireworks importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of consumer fireworks will have the opportunity to look at the latest innovations of firework devices and attend seminars dealing with firework safety and the business of pyrotechnics. Each night, there is a firework demonstration at Andover Central Park in Andover, KS.  During the convention, members of the NFA are also discussing how to  #SaveOurFireworks  from proposed Federal regulations that could dramatically hamper the consumer fireworks industry.  Friday evening, there will be a concert featuring Tommy Castro and a Grand Firework Display at Andover Central Park and the public is invited.  The cost to attend is $5 and tickets can be purchased prior to the event at Andover City Hall. Those wishing to purchase tickets at the event can do
Read more