Tariffs, shipping impact prices and stock of South Carolina fireworks

FORT MILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The days leading up to the Fourth of July are some of the busiest at Davey Jones Fireworks, but if you’re planning on buying fireworks anywhere this year, it may cost you more this year because they’re made in China.

That’s because most of the fireworks you buy in a store are imported from China.

Michael Sofio and his son Dominic Sofio were busy Monday morning stocking up for their family festivities this upcoming weekend.

“Honestly, I leave it up to this guy. He’s got the eye for it,” Michael said.

This was not their first time stocking up to celebrate America’s birthday.

“That was the first thing we noticed right away is that there weren’t as many selections as there were last year,” Michael said. “And the prices went up a little bit.”

Cashier Roger Aiton said tariffs on imported Chinese goods are behind it.

Aiton said they tried to stock up early to keep prices down, but not everything made it this year.

“We was online with our distributors locally, and, you know, around in the area, and we got our merchandise before the tariffs went into effect so we was able to maintain our sales at what they were in previous years,” Aiton said.

Aiton said shipping can also have an impact on the price. He showed us different displays that fluctuated up or down several dollars inside the store.

“It’s all about family getting together, celebrating our country,” Aiton said. “We’ll try to work around it. We try to stay in business and show everybody we’re here to support them.”

If you are planning to buy fireworks and to set them off at home, Aiton said it is crucial to make sure you put safety first. He said to be sure you have a bucket of water nearby or a way to hose off the fireworks after they are in use to keep you and your family safe.