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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTrump's tariffs could fizzle fireworks, an American tradition that's 95 percent made in China
The escalating trade clash between the United States and China has sent thousands of U.S. companies scrambling to determine whether they could source goods from other countries to escape higher tariffs. But when President Trump threatened to tag large penalties on $300 billion in Chinese imports earlier this month, a sense of panic settled over the fireworks industry. It had nowhere else to go.
Its virtually impossible for our product to be made anywhere else but in China, said Bruce Zoldan, the chief executive of Phantom Fireworks in Youngstown, Ohio. If these tariffs happen, itll be the greatest threat to our industry.
Zoldan met with White House officials on Wednesday to press his case, and he is working on a formal request to be delivered next month that he hopes would exempt the fireworks industry from the penalties. A final decision by the White House could come in late June, in the midst of the fireworks industrys busiest period.
After several months of negotiations between the White House and Beijing that left many believing a truce was within reach, a messy unraveling has left many business executives wondering how to avoid collateral damage.
Do you know anyone who aspires to become a fireworks maker? It's among the most dangerous jobs. People get burned or killed all the time. Trump would have to disband OSHA before it's allowed to be made in America, and he'd probably do it.
ProudMNDemocrat
(16,780 posts)Most 4th of July Fireworks are made in China that sell all over the US if not made here.
People might think twice about dropping a shit ton of money that would otherwise go to paying Bills.
IronLionZion
(45,403 posts)since that's where the big shows are. And sports events and other celebrations that use fireworks may cut back too.
Archae
(46,311 posts)What exactly for, I have no idea.
My neighbor's dog was crying in pain from the racket.
On July 4, I get two displays, one that is set off down at the lakeshore, (I live in Sheboygan,) and one in Kohler.
Haven't been to a fireworks show in years, I don't like crowds, or traffic.
at140
(6,110 posts)We had heck of a time for her to pee outside on 4th of July. As soon as she heard the firecrackers she would scamper back in the house.
Doreen
(11,686 posts)who was not afraid of fireworks. The amazing thing was to watch him calmly crap next to the street while fireworks were going off right next to him. I have never seen that before from a dog. He was not deaf either.
at140
(6,110 posts)Most dogs do not like explosions. Must be genetic programming from thunder & lightening?
Doreen
(11,686 posts)To busy thinking about what he could smell and not what he could hear. That would be a Beagle for you.
former9thward
(31,961 posts)Not only do they cause eyes to be put out and fingers lost but here in Chicago they start days early and keep going days after the 4th. I will not miss the racket that goes to 3 and 4 am night after night.
moonscape
(4,673 posts)fireworks are a serious fire risk where I live on the CA coast. People set them off in the midst of eucalyptus trees which is so dangerous, and there isnt the manpower to police everywhere.
Am always holding my breath on the 4th.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)I hate fireworks.
IronLionZion
(45,403 posts)you'd wake up to morning fireworks daily there. They celebrate everything with fireworks, like new business openings and cultural festivals.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)treat dogs and cats.
And I hate fireworks.