Chinese Fireworks Manufacturer Sees Boost in U.S. Orders Amid Tariff Reversal
The reversal of tariffs has led to a significant boost in orders from U.S. customers for Chinese fireworks brand Black Scorpion, with sales increasing by 15% to 30% this year compared to last year.
Last year’s tariff hikes of over 100 percentage points had strained the industry, but their removal has seen a surge in demand from American consumers, according to Wilson Lam, US business manager at Black Scorpion Fireworks based in Liling, China.
The company’s products are part of a three-century-old tradition, originally designed to ward off evil spirits. Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing coincides with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, underscoring the close economic ties between the two nations.
Most July 4 shipments have already been delivered or are in transit, avoiding any delays due to this week’s temporary production halt for safety inspections following a fatal explosion at a local factory.
The tariffs’ impact was evident as many orders were postponed last year. Black Scorpion Fireworks, which typically ships products in April for July 4 events, had its goods used during other celebrations such as New Year instead.
China’s fireworks exports accounted for two-thirds of global sales last year, valued at $1.14 billion, though the value dropped slightly to $1.16 billion the previous year, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
The factories producing these products are located in Hunan and Jiangxi provinces, where hundreds of thousands of people are employed in the industry. Many raw materials come from Liuyang, a city with over 400 fireworks stores and nearly 1.5 million residents.
Founder Liu Fangguo of Shengding Fireworks Factory in Pingxiang has largely diverted exports away from the U.S., citing the tariffs’ impact on his business. Despite this, Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, believes Trump’s visit will extend a temporary truce in trade tensions.
Consumers and businesses alike hope that these positive relations continue, with many Americans eager for China’s affordable, high-quality products, from fireworks to clothing and footwear.