Tariffs may increase fireworks prices in Alabama for July 4th

MOODY, Ala. (WIAT) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and fireworks retailers across Alabama are getting ready. A recent 30% tariff on Chinese imports could mean higher prices for shoppers.

The U.S. imports most of its fireworks from China.

With new tariffs in effect, some local suppliers are already seeing the impact.

“We’ve had to increase the prices, and it’s mostly the common items that went up,” said Pam Palmer, president of Crazy Bill’s Fireworks. “Those are the items that we were out of, and because we had to get them in now, prices are higher.”

Palmer said her team has adjusted their pricing and expects customers to feel a bigger difference later in the year.

“I think the public’s going to see the largest impact on that for New Year’s Day,” Palmer said. “They will see a large impact there because those items are coming in right now.”

Not every retailer is raising prices.

Bob Hoglan, president of Billy Bob’s Fireworks, said he plans to keep prices steady.

“My profit margin’s way down, but I can’t run off customers by jacking the price up,” Hoglan said.

Billy Bob’s Fireworks opens for the season Thursday.

Customers may or may not notice a difference in prices while purchasing products for Independence Day, depending on what they buy and from where.