Expect fireworks prices to skyrocket

A massive explosion in China could put a damper on Uncle Sam’s birthday.

On Valentine’s Day, 20 warehouses full of fireworks exploded at a busy Chinese port, crippling the distribution of pyrotechnics from the world’s largest producer of fireworks.

Now — with countries around the world clamoring to order fireworks before Chinese manufacturers close down prior to the Beijing Olympics — fireworks dealers in the United States are struggling to stock up for the Fourth of July.

Distributors in Western Washington say most public fireworks shows will go on as planned, and that fireworks stands will not go out of business.

However, people can expect to pay more for their fireworks this year, and they can expect to have fewer types of fireworks to choose from, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the Maryland-based American Pyrotechnics Association.

“This is not just a U.S.-China problem,” Heckman said. “This is global. China is the world supplier of fireworks.”

Fireworks prices are expected to increase by as much as 15 percent, fireworks wholesalers said. Factors such as rising materials costs and the decreasing value of the U.S. dollar are also contributing to the price increases.

Not only will American consumers see less variety at fireworks stands, but they might also see old-model fireworks wrapped up in new packaging, wholesalers said.

“It’s basically come down to a scramble, where everyone is trying to get as much stuff as they can,” said Scott Miller, owner of Fireworks Northwest in Marysville.

The explosion in the Chinese port city of Sanshui — which had processed roughly 70 percent of the country’s fireworks exports — actually had very little impact on the United States’ supply of fireworks. Most of those pyrotechnics were tagged for Europe, Heckman said.

It’s what happened afterward that sent shock waves here.

In the wake of the destruction, the port of Sanshui stopped handling fireworks. About a month later, the port of Nansha, another busy port, did the same.

That left only two ports — in Shanghai and Beihai — to export all of China’s fireworks.

Fireworks that aren’t already bound for America will not get here in time for Independence Day, said Ken Julian, operations manager for Entertainment Fireworks in Olympia. His company is getting just three of the five containers it ordered, he said.

“Fortunately, we have containers that are actually floating to us now,” Julian said. “It’s been month after month of sleepless nights.”

Compounding the problem, the Chinese government is planning to stop producing and shipping fireworks and other hazardous materials to enhance security during the Olympics, Heckman said. The country’s fireworks stoppage is planned to last from June through early October, she said.

Unless something changes, American fireworks vendors could face more severe shortages for New Year’s Eve celebrations, Heckman said.

“The port situation is very, very serious,” Heckman said. “That is something we are working diligently on with our U.S. government officials, to put some pressure on the Chinese government to help expand the ports, so trade can move smoothly. We need more ports to get the product out.”

John Fisher, owner of Port Gardner Fireworks in Everett, said he’s ordered more fireworks than needed in recent years to prepare for times like this. He stores the fireworks at a Stanwood-area warehouse. His company handles fireworks shows for groups including local raceways and the Everett AquaSox baseball team.

“The current situation over there is really not affecting our company,” Fisher said. “We usually buy enough to last us for at least two years straight or longer.”

For nearly three decades, Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith has organized several fireworks stands in Snoho­mish County to raise money for youth sports teams.

Despite the shortage, Smith isn’t changing his plans for this Fourth of July. He believes people would rather pay more at fireworks stands than at the gas pump.

“I don’t think people are going to cut back,” Smith said. “They’re going to stay home and have fireworks displays at home.”

Considering the explosion in Sanshui and everything that followed, Heckman said Americans should feel fortunate to be able to count on fireworks this July.

“A couple of months ago, we thought there were going to be a lot more skies black this Fourth of July,” Heckman said. “I think we’ve been able to weather this storm as best as we can, to make sure as many communities as possible get their Independence Day shows.”

Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.