Opinion: No Thanks China! Let’s Get Idaho Making Fireworks Now

With the United States just about on the eve of celebrating our Independence Day, the topic that keeps coming up at fireworks stands throughout the country is the imminent price increase expected to hit Americans in the purses and wallets next year when buying our favorite neighborhood explosives.

I had a conversation with a firework stand operator this week about China's response to President Donald Trump's recent implementation of trade tariff's on the 'Red Dragon'. This guy was telling me I should stock up for the 2026 celebration and that this was likely to be the final year he would be selling fireworks.

Idaho Can Help America Snap The Chinese Stranglehold on the Fireworks Market

Ninety-nine percent of the fireworks we see being sold in the U.S. are still being imported from China, according to axios.com. It's been this way for over half a century.

Am I missing something? 

America makes the most sophisticated explosives known to man. From the Trident II D5 missile to the B-41 nuclear bomb, we (the U.S.) should have no problem manufacturing our own sparklers and flowers.

READ MORE: Dos and Dont's of Buying Fireworks in Idaho

The topic of manufacturing our own fireworks and cutting China out completely was raised on Quora a few years back and yielded some interesting responses.

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Remember, in Twin Falls it's legal to light fireworks off from 8 A.M. to midnight now through July 5. Have fun this Fourth of July and use your fireworks responsibly.

You also might want to think about hanging onto a few fireworks for your 2026 celebration just in case prices are as bad as they are forecasted to be.