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. 

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