Gloomy economics and a possible shortage of fireworks from China could mean higher prices and limited supplies for fireworks buyers this summer.

Suppliers estimate fireworks prices could rise 30 percent or more because of increased costs of raw materials, higher export taxes and skyrocketing shipping charges brought on by a February fire that destroyed up to 300,000 cases of fireworks bound for the United States and closed one of China’s major ports.
While this could put a damper on some summer celebrations, Coulee Region residents will see the same show during Riverfest, said Skyrockers spokesman Doug Seymour.

“All of the product from our distributor that we need is already in the United States, and this had no negative affect on us,” Seymour said. “We will have for the good citizens of La Crosse another big Fourth of July show.”

The Skyrockers also are in good shape because they make limited purchases from China, Seymour said.

Officials at Victory Fireworks, which runs 10 stores in Wisconsin including one in Tomah, are warning its customers of higher prices.

“... all fireworks importers, wholesalers, retailers and customers must be prepared for the largest annual price increases in recent memory,” Victory officials wrote in a letter posted on the company’s Web site. “Because China supplies 90 percent of the world’s fireworks, this will be a worldwide event with no alternatives.”

Some industry officials estimate prices could increase by more than 30 percent, and the shortages could cause some pyrotechnic displays to be curtailed or cancelled.

Charlie Weeth, a La Crosse fireworks consultant and manufacturer’s representative, said no one knows how high prices will go until more is known about this year’s demand. But, Weeth said, he knows prices will go up, and some people might have to do without some specific types of fireworks.

“Some folks will have issues and they may not get the variety they’ve come to expect,” Weeth said. “They will get less and pay more for it.”

Dan Springer can be reached at dspringer@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8269.

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