Susan Montoya Brian
ALBUQUAKE, N.M. (AP) – Like clockwork, Carla Johnson sends a letter every spring asking for donations to help pay for the July 4th fireworks show that attracts tens of thousands of people to New Mexico’s largest lake.
And she has no reservations about ejecting oral reminders when she sees her patrons around town. When donations raised by friends at Elephant View Trake State Park make tradition possible, there is too much to be shy about fundraising.
But even Johnson’s passionate efforts, where group fundraisers may not cut it next year if the US and China remain locked in a trade war.
With almost every aerial shell, paper rocket, and sparkling fountains imported from China from almost every American celebration, volunteer groups such as the Johnsons and City have been watching the negotiations carefully.
The 90-day suspension on what was a massive tariff provided temporary relief, but industry experts admit that TIFF ignited a fuse of uncertainty if the price tag on future firework displays failed to reach an agreement.
It’s not the first time
Similar concerns were raised in 2019 as trade talks between the US and China took over. Industry groups had asked authorities to exempt fireworks from escalating tariffs.
The American Fireworks Association and the National Fireworks Association rekindled their lobbying efforts this spring, noting in a letter to President Donald Trump that fireworks play an important role in American celebrations. The group says the industry is primarily made up of family-owned businesses and is often locked up in long-term contracts, making it impossible to raise prices to offset the cost surge caused by higher tariffs.
And there are few options to raise the £300 million (136 million kilograms) of fireworks needed to feed demand. According to the APA, China produces 99% of consumer fireworks and 90% of professional display fireworks used in the US.
“Overall, I think it’s uncertainty,” said Julie Heckman, executive director of the APA. “Yeah, there’s a 90-day suspension, but will negotiations with China work?
How did it begin?
Fireworks have roots in China. To drive away evil spirits, people threw bamboo stems into the fire, blowing them away as the air inside the hollow pockets heated. These early firecrackers evolved into more refined fireworks after the Chinese developed gunpowder in the 9th century.
By the 15th century, Europe used fireworks for religious festivals and entertainment. In 1777 they were used for the first organized Independence Day celebrations in Philadelphia and Boston.
Currently, fireworks are synonymous with summer vacation or the sounds of New Year. The show became a detailed choreographed display that was often synchronized with live music. In Nashville, Music City’s award-winning symphony orchestra puts its own spin on the festival.
In New York City, Macy’s show organizers fire 80,000 shells, reaching 1,000 feet (304 meters). National Park Service promises spectacular show at the National Mall in Washington, DC
In Elephant Butte in southern New Mexico, they go to old schools and light up fireworks by hand. Charlie Warren, vice president of Friends of Elephant View Trake State Park, said it’s like the audience is getting two shows at once, as the colour reflects in the water below and the big boom echoes from the lake.
Johnson, who also serves as the group’s treasurer, remembers the feelings he describes his experience.
Fireworks are on sale at Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Peggy Senic Shop at Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 (AP Photo/Sue ogrocki)
Devoyanna Taylor placed the shelves at Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 (AP Photo/Sue ogrocki)
Lamarteagle wraps fireworks boxes for shipment at the Phantom Fireworks Warehouse in Warren, Ohio on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Workers will use forklifts to move fireworks in preparation for shipment at the Phantom Fireworks warehouse in Warren, Ohio on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025.
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Fireworks are on sale at Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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“Yeah, in my mind, sometimes loudly, I sing a star-spangled banner, and when I see that show I sing loudly over the top of my lungs,” she said. “I’m proud to be in this country. We celebrate freedom. I’m starting to cry now. Don’t start.”
Stock before customs duties
Nashville organizers ordered fireworks for the show more than a year ago, so they were not affected by tariffs. It was the same in one of New Mexico’s largest cities. Rio Rancho officials had planned to spend a little more this year to go up a bigger boost.
In Oklahoma, Big Blast Fireworks supplies nonprofits, so you can raise funds by installing fireworks stands. The company received its first container from China in January before tariffs were hit. The second container arrived in February and was subject to 10% tariff. The third container was put on hold to avoid the highest duties. This means that if nothing changes, inventory could be tighter later this year.
“As small and medium-sized businesses, we are passionate about looking at the price range and we intend to save as many customers as possible,” said Melissa Torkleson, managing partner at Big Blast.
With some orders pending, industry experts say Chinese manufacturers have slashed production when the warehouse was full. Supply chain backups will also bring competition for shipping space on marine ships, and APA director Heckman said there will be more to do than flip a light switch to facilitate either situation.
If the trade war is dragged over, she said there are ways to show that organizers can adjust and that audiences may not notice. You can shaved for a minute or two from the show, or replace certain types of fireworks with cheaper options.
As for this year, Warren said the price tag for the Elephant Butte Show remains the same, and he and Johnson cannot wait to see the audience on boats swaying on the coastline, surrounding hillsides and lakes. The annual mission is “to make sure the Ts are all intersecting,” Warren said.
“If this show doesn’t get off, this community isn’t happy,” he said.
Original issue: July 1, 2025, 1:06pm EDT
