Trump's sky-high China tariffs could leave US skies dark this Fourth of July
Independence Day celebrations at risk due to Trump's import duties (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Massive new tariffs on Chinese imports announced by Donald Trump are putting the upcoming Independence Day celebrations at risk, NBC News reports.
With Trump's April 2 "Liberation Day" tariff hike spiking duties on Chinese goods to 145%, US fireworks distributors have been forced to cancel last-minute shipments from China — the source of 99% of consumer fireworks and 75% of professional-grade pyrotechnics.
Michael Ingram, CEO of Fireworks Over America, said, "There's definitely a lot of urgency here for our industry, and it's a very, very serious situation. It would be a shame to have the skies go dark on the Fourth of July."
Companies that couldn't beat the tariff deadline are now halting imports, returning containers, or paying massive duties — all while smaller businesses are scaling back displays or canceling orders altogether.
Stacy Schneitter Blake of the National Fireworks Association confirmed that "shipping has essentially stopped," noting that many vendors relied on April deliveries that never made it.
2026 celebrations already at risk
Fireworks manufacturers are warning that the supply crisis extends beyond this summer.
The semiquincentennial in 2026 is now in jeopardy as production in China — typically scheduled a year in advance — has slowed or paused.
"You just can't stay in business like that — no one can," said Greg Hebert of Adventure Fireworks.
Julie Heckman of the American Pyrotechnics Association added that US manufacturing isn't a viable alternative: "We don't have the raw materials, and nobody wants to do this kind of work. It's very dangerous to make an explosive, and it's very labor intensive."
Even supporters of the president admit the timing couldn't be worse. "I support President Trump... but for our industry it's just really bad timing, and we're just kind of stuck in the middle of this," said Zach Terhark of Iowa Fireworks Co.
US President Donald Trump (Photo: Getty Images)
For many Americans, this July Fourth may come with higher prices, fewer options, and darker skies.
And it's not just fireworks.
Just a day earlier, NBC News reported that Trump's tariffs have now hit golf carts — his beloved vehicle of choice — revealing how deeply even "American-made" goods rely on foreign parts. Despite US assembly, most golf carts depend on components from China and other countries, leaving producers and consumers vulnerable to Trump's escalating trade war.
