MINERAL POINT, Wis. (WMTV) – Buying fireworks for your Independence Day display could cost more this year because of a 30% tariff on Chinese imports.

According to the Wisconsin Fireworks Association, nearly all fireworks in the U.S. come from China.

President Trump’s trade war with China brought tariffs up to 20% in March. In April, tariffs were as high as 145%, which is right around the time retailers begin stockpiling their fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Megan Scott, co-owner of Boom Boom Fireworks in Mineral Point, said she bought her supply months in advance during the fall season to avoid skyrocketing costs.

“We actually got our orders in before all that stuff took effect,” Scott said. “It worked out great; our shelves are full.”

For now, Scott said she hasn’t had to raise her prices. However, some economic experts say shoppers of smaller fireworks stands may be feeling the heat.

“If your retailer or distributor was smart and lucky enough to get in and get their orders filled before the tariffs hit, they’re likely not going to be passing as much on,” Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative said. “But for those that got caught in between, kind of in that May time period, you’re probably going to see an increase in prices.”

The tariffs may impact celebrations next year, leaving some businesses uncertain about the future.

“Here and there we’ll worry about it,” Scott said. “But when it comes, then we’ll take care of it.”

Scott hopes next year still brings the sparks and smiles that make the Fourth of July special.

“It’s exciting,” Scott said. “People can put their own shows together, and you can just see it in their face, like, ‘wow I did this,’ and it’s amazing.”

The American Pyrotechnics Association called the 30% tariff on fireworks “unsustainable” and is lobbying for a exemption on tariffs for fireworks.

Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.

Copyright 2025 WMTV. All rights reserved.