Carla Johnson coordinates fundraising for the annual Fourth of July fireworks at Elephant Butte Lake State Park in New Mexico. With the vast majority of fireworks imports coming from China, the ongoing trade war poses a financial threat to such events. While a temporary pause on tariffs provided relief, rising uncertainty could lead to dramatic increases in costs. Historical efforts have aimed to exempt fireworks from tariffs, emphasizing their cultural significance and reliance on family-owned businesses in the industry.
With nearly all of the aerial shells, paper rockets and sparkly fountains that fuel America's Fourth of July celebrations being imported from China, volunteer groups like Johnson's and cities big and small have been closely watching the negotiations.
A 90-day pause on what had been massive tariffs brought some temporary relief, but industry experts acknowledge that the tiff has lit a fuse of uncertainty as the price tag for future fireworks displays could skyrocket if an agreement isn't reached.
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