Fireworks
I’ve often enjoyed July 4th celebrations here in the USA, fireworks, friends, and BBQs.
This year was different. We watched a Macy’s NYC fireworks on TV. It was a delayed recording, so we didn’t have to watch the commercials.
Estimates indicate Macy’s spent $6M for 88,000 fireworks, shot from four barges in NYC’s East River for the 30 minute show.
I did some research.
It’s a small world. And Disney celebrates with fireworks every night.
The American Pyrotechnic Association indicates that 99% of all consumer fireworks and 75% of all display fireworks are manufactured in China. From their April, 2025 letter to the US government asking for leniency on the potential tarriffs:
“The reality is that there are no manufacturing alternatives available outside of China. Between 2022 and 2023, close to 16,000 shipping containers of fireworks entered the USA, with fewer than 100 sourced from outside of China. America’s lack of key raw materials, high labor costs, and strict regulatory environment make fireworks production in the U.S. impossible. Rather than reshoring jobs, tariffs will only drive-up costs for American businesses, local governments, and consumers.”
American Pyrotechnic Association - April 3, 2025 letter regarding tariffs
The PBS Newshour article:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-to-know-about-fourth-of-july-holiday-origins-and-traditions
Macy July 4th Fireworks site: