Bob Hamilton, an Indiana businessman, operates seasonal fireworks pop-ups but faces challenges due to tariffs on Chinese goods. With 95% of fireworks sourced from China, tariffs rose dramatically, impacting pricing and availability. Hamilton strategically purchased inventory before tariffs spiked. He reduced the number of storefronts this year in anticipation of lower sales and currently grapples with how much of the increased cost to pass on to consumers. The tariffs, ironically labeled as America First, hinder traditional American celebrations despite their patriotic branding.
In the first half of the year, Hamilton watched as the tariffs on Chinese goods went from 10% to 145% and then back down to 30%. Around 95% of fireworks are made in China, so there wasn't another major market to turn to.
Trump has called them the America First tariffs. The bitter irony is that the tariffs are raining on the most iconic celebration of America.
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