Latest news with #Heckman
The Advertiser
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Protest and travel mark 4th of July
Recent polls will tell you there's been a drop in national pride among Americans, particularly Democrats in the Trump era, with some questioning whether to celebrate July Fourth at all this year. But Scott Allen, a registered Democrat in southern California, isn't one of them. He planned to commemorate the nation's 249th birthday with a politically mixed group of neighbours who will grill out and light off fireworks. He'll be thinking of his US Marine father, and about how proud he is that "we have the freedom to do all the things we do." "We can have protests. We can have free speech," said Allen, 60, who lives in Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles. This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump's polices, and in places like southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were cancelled. Fireworks retailers are also dealing with tariffs. But at the same time, holiday travel is expected to break records. Several communities in the Los Angeles area have cancelled Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns over Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The raids have triggered weeks of protests across the city and led Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. The Los Angeles neighbourhood of El Sereno cancelled its parade after 90 per cent of participants dropped out. Organiser Genny Guerrero said the majority Latino community is "very patriotic." But many people are avoiding events out of fear of immigration agents. "The fact that they're taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy," Guerrero said. A downtown block party, which drew 20,000 people last year, was postponed. Suburbs in southeastern Los Angeles, such as Bell Gardens, have cancelled celebrations altogether. Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump's policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women's March. The group had organised the Women's March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump's first inauguration. This year's events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities. For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalisation ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston's City Hall. The vast majority of fireworks in the US are made in China, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. As the trade war with China escalated, tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks reached 145 per cent in April, Heckman said. Trump issued a 90-day pause in May, leaving current tariffs on Chinese fireworks at 30 per cent. The tariffs will have little impact on city fireworks shows because the shells were purchased months ago, Heckman said. But it'll be a different story next year, Heckman added, because 30 per cent tariffs — or anything higher — are not sustainable for business. The industry is casting a wary eye toward 2026. "Every small town in America is going to want a special firework display to honour America's 250th," Heckman said. Auto club AAA expected more than 72 million people to travel at least 80km from home. AAA's forecast includes two weekends to better reflect the holiday travel. Nearly 62 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 per cent bump over 2024, making it the highest volume on record, AAA said. Drivers have seen some price increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they've been since 2021. Meanwhile, nearly six million people will fly — four per cent more than last year, AAA said. The Federal Aviation Administration said this will be the busiest July Fourth week in 15 years. Recent polls will tell you there's been a drop in national pride among Americans, particularly Democrats in the Trump era, with some questioning whether to celebrate July Fourth at all this year. But Scott Allen, a registered Democrat in southern California, isn't one of them. He planned to commemorate the nation's 249th birthday with a politically mixed group of neighbours who will grill out and light off fireworks. He'll be thinking of his US Marine father, and about how proud he is that "we have the freedom to do all the things we do." "We can have protests. We can have free speech," said Allen, 60, who lives in Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles. This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump's polices, and in places like southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were cancelled. Fireworks retailers are also dealing with tariffs. But at the same time, holiday travel is expected to break records. Several communities in the Los Angeles area have cancelled Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns over Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The raids have triggered weeks of protests across the city and led Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. The Los Angeles neighbourhood of El Sereno cancelled its parade after 90 per cent of participants dropped out. Organiser Genny Guerrero said the majority Latino community is "very patriotic." But many people are avoiding events out of fear of immigration agents. "The fact that they're taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy," Guerrero said. A downtown block party, which drew 20,000 people last year, was postponed. Suburbs in southeastern Los Angeles, such as Bell Gardens, have cancelled celebrations altogether. Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump's policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women's March. The group had organised the Women's March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump's first inauguration. This year's events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities. For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalisation ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston's City Hall. The vast majority of fireworks in the US are made in China, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. As the trade war with China escalated, tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks reached 145 per cent in April, Heckman said. Trump issued a 90-day pause in May, leaving current tariffs on Chinese fireworks at 30 per cent. The tariffs will have little impact on city fireworks shows because the shells were purchased months ago, Heckman said. But it'll be a different story next year, Heckman added, because 30 per cent tariffs — or anything higher — are not sustainable for business. The industry is casting a wary eye toward 2026. "Every small town in America is going to want a special firework display to honour America's 250th," Heckman said. Auto club AAA expected more than 72 million people to travel at least 80km from home. AAA's forecast includes two weekends to better reflect the holiday travel. Nearly 62 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 per cent bump over 2024, making it the highest volume on record, AAA said. Drivers have seen some price increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they've been since 2021. Meanwhile, nearly six million people will fly — four per cent more than last year, AAA said. The Federal Aviation Administration said this will be the busiest July Fourth week in 15 years. Recent polls will tell you there's been a drop in national pride among Americans, particularly Democrats in the Trump era, with some questioning whether to celebrate July Fourth at all this year. But Scott Allen, a registered Democrat in southern California, isn't one of them. He planned to commemorate the nation's 249th birthday with a politically mixed group of neighbours who will grill out and light off fireworks. He'll be thinking of his US Marine father, and about how proud he is that "we have the freedom to do all the things we do." "We can have protests. We can have free speech," said Allen, 60, who lives in Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles. This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump's polices, and in places like southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were cancelled. Fireworks retailers are also dealing with tariffs. But at the same time, holiday travel is expected to break records. Several communities in the Los Angeles area have cancelled Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns over Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The raids have triggered weeks of protests across the city and led Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. The Los Angeles neighbourhood of El Sereno cancelled its parade after 90 per cent of participants dropped out. Organiser Genny Guerrero said the majority Latino community is "very patriotic." But many people are avoiding events out of fear of immigration agents. "The fact that they're taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy," Guerrero said. A downtown block party, which drew 20,000 people last year, was postponed. Suburbs in southeastern Los Angeles, such as Bell Gardens, have cancelled celebrations altogether. Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump's policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women's March. The group had organised the Women's March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump's first inauguration. This year's events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities. For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalisation ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston's City Hall. The vast majority of fireworks in the US are made in China, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. As the trade war with China escalated, tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks reached 145 per cent in April, Heckman said. Trump issued a 90-day pause in May, leaving current tariffs on Chinese fireworks at 30 per cent. The tariffs will have little impact on city fireworks shows because the shells were purchased months ago, Heckman said. But it'll be a different story next year, Heckman added, because 30 per cent tariffs — or anything higher — are not sustainable for business. The industry is casting a wary eye toward 2026. "Every small town in America is going to want a special firework display to honour America's 250th," Heckman said. Auto club AAA expected more than 72 million people to travel at least 80km from home. AAA's forecast includes two weekends to better reflect the holiday travel. Nearly 62 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 per cent bump over 2024, making it the highest volume on record, AAA said. Drivers have seen some price increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they've been since 2021. Meanwhile, nearly six million people will fly — four per cent more than last year, AAA said. The Federal Aviation Administration said this will be the busiest July Fourth week in 15 years. Recent polls will tell you there's been a drop in national pride among Americans, particularly Democrats in the Trump era, with some questioning whether to celebrate July Fourth at all this year. But Scott Allen, a registered Democrat in southern California, isn't one of them. He planned to commemorate the nation's 249th birthday with a politically mixed group of neighbours who will grill out and light off fireworks. He'll be thinking of his US Marine father, and about how proud he is that "we have the freedom to do all the things we do." "We can have protests. We can have free speech," said Allen, 60, who lives in Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles. This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump's polices, and in places like southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were cancelled. Fireworks retailers are also dealing with tariffs. But at the same time, holiday travel is expected to break records. Several communities in the Los Angeles area have cancelled Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns over Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The raids have triggered weeks of protests across the city and led Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. The Los Angeles neighbourhood of El Sereno cancelled its parade after 90 per cent of participants dropped out. Organiser Genny Guerrero said the majority Latino community is "very patriotic." But many people are avoiding events out of fear of immigration agents. "The fact that they're taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy," Guerrero said. A downtown block party, which drew 20,000 people last year, was postponed. Suburbs in southeastern Los Angeles, such as Bell Gardens, have cancelled celebrations altogether. Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump's policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women's March. The group had organised the Women's March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump's first inauguration. This year's events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities. For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalisation ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston's City Hall. The vast majority of fireworks in the US are made in China, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. As the trade war with China escalated, tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks reached 145 per cent in April, Heckman said. Trump issued a 90-day pause in May, leaving current tariffs on Chinese fireworks at 30 per cent. The tariffs will have little impact on city fireworks shows because the shells were purchased months ago, Heckman said. But it'll be a different story next year, Heckman added, because 30 per cent tariffs — or anything higher — are not sustainable for business. The industry is casting a wary eye toward 2026. "Every small town in America is going to want a special firework display to honour America's 250th," Heckman said. Auto club AAA expected more than 72 million people to travel at least 80km from home. AAA's forecast includes two weekends to better reflect the holiday travel. Nearly 62 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 per cent bump over 2024, making it the highest volume on record, AAA said. Drivers have seen some price increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they've been since 2021. Meanwhile, nearly six million people will fly — four per cent more than last year, AAA said. The Federal Aviation Administration said this will be the busiest July Fourth week in 15 years.
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Protest and travel mark 4th of July
Recent polls will tell you there's been a drop in national pride among Americans, particularly Democrats in the Trump era, with some questioning whether to celebrate July Fourth at all this year. But Scott Allen, a registered Democrat in southern California, isn't one of them. He planned to commemorate the nation's 249th birthday with a politically mixed group of neighbours who will grill out and light off fireworks. He'll be thinking of his US Marine father, and about how proud he is that "we have the freedom to do all the things we do." "We can have protests. We can have free speech," said Allen, 60, who lives in Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles. This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump's polices, and in places like southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were cancelled. Fireworks retailers are also dealing with tariffs. But at the same time, holiday travel is expected to break records. Several communities in the Los Angeles area have cancelled Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns over Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The raids have triggered weeks of protests across the city and led Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. The Los Angeles neighbourhood of El Sereno cancelled its parade after 90 per cent of participants dropped out. Organiser Genny Guerrero said the majority Latino community is "very patriotic." But many people are avoiding events out of fear of immigration agents. "The fact that they're taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy," Guerrero said. A downtown block party, which drew 20,000 people last year, was postponed. Suburbs in southeastern Los Angeles, such as Bell Gardens, have cancelled celebrations altogether. Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump's policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women's March. The group had organised the Women's March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump's first inauguration. This year's events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities. For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalisation ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston's City Hall. The vast majority of fireworks in the US are made in China, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. As the trade war with China escalated, tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks reached 145 per cent in April, Heckman said. Trump issued a 90-day pause in May, leaving current tariffs on Chinese fireworks at 30 per cent. The tariffs will have little impact on city fireworks shows because the shells were purchased months ago, Heckman said. But it'll be a different story next year, Heckman added, because 30 per cent tariffs — or anything higher — are not sustainable for business. The industry is casting a wary eye toward 2026. "Every small town in America is going to want a special firework display to honour America's 250th," Heckman said. Auto club AAA expected more than 72 million people to travel at least 80km from home. AAA's forecast includes two weekends to better reflect the holiday travel. Nearly 62 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 per cent bump over 2024, making it the highest volume on record, AAA said. Drivers have seen some price increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they've been since 2021. Meanwhile, nearly six million people will fly — four per cent more than last year, AAA said. The Federal Aviation Administration said this will be the busiest July Fourth week in 15 years.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fireworks business booms this Fourth of July as trade talks fizzle out incoming supplies
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The fireworks industry is expecting to get by this Fourth of July holiday, but trade tensions with China have some worried that sales leading up to America's 250th birthday in 2026 could be a bust. Pyrotechnicians and firework distributors have held out hope that the fireworks will be exempt from President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. Tariffs with China are held at 30% after the U.S. and China agreed to pause tariff increases for 90 days. In April, Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports peaked at 145%. However, those rates could shoot back up when the pause ends in August. "It's been a bit of a roller coaster since February with the constant change in the tariffs," Julie Heckman, American Pyrotechnics Association Executive Director, said. Firework Sales Boom As Americans Gear Up For Fourth Of July Celebrations Fireworks are an American tradition, but they rely on Chinese production. Read On The Fox Business App The APA estimates that 99% of backyard consumer fireworks in the U.S. come from China. Heckman said about 90% of professional display fireworks also come from China. "It's almost impossible to produce fireworks in the United States. It's a very laborious process. Everything is made by hand," Heckman said. "You're dealing with explosives. They are highly sensitive to heat, humidity, and friction. It's a very dangerous job." Trump Urged To Take On South Korea Over Tech Regulations That Target Us, Spare China Firework prices remained steady this Fourth of July, but Heckman warned that supply could be low among newly released products. However, industry leaders think the price of fireworks could rise in the next year. "Basically, all the importers contacted their Chinese suppliers and said, 'don't ship my product. I can't afford to pay 145% tariff,'" Heckman said. Nashville, Tennessee is home to one of the nation's largest Fourth of July firework displays. Forty-thousand pounds of fireworks will soar in the sky over the Cumberland River for thirty minutes on Friday. Pyro Shows Inc. President Lansden Hill is the man behind the fuse. His crew bought the fireworks for Music City's Fourth of July celebration a year ago. "The product we use here in Nashville doesn't come on one container. It comes on a lot of containers throughout the year," Hill said. "The fireworks that are used in the show this year weren't subject to any of the new tariffs." Fourth of July celebrations reap huge economic benefits for the cities that host them. Over 355,000 people showed up to last year's Fourth of July celebration in Nashville. The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. reported about 60% of the annual Fourth of July spectators are visitors. Each year, visitors book about 30,000 hotel rooms and spend about $17.5 million during the Fourth of July holiday, according to NCVC President and CEO Deana Ivey. Click Here To Get Fox Business On The Go "That money goes to schools, it goes to the police force, it goes to sidewalks. All of the public accommodations we need for the community," Deana Ivey, NCVC President and CEO, article source: Fireworks business booms this Fourth of July as trade talks fizzle out incoming supplies Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
30-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Trump tariffs could dampen July Fourth fireworks for 2026
As Americans prepare to light up the skies this Fourth of July, the fireworks industry is sounding the alarm: without tariff relief, the nation's 250th birthday celebration in 2026 could be in jeopardy. Why it matters: A looming tariff burden on Chinese imports is sparking fears of higher costs, supply shortages and even canceled shows. "If the tariff increases again back up to triple digits — let's say 145% — it will cripple this industry," Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, told Axios. The big picture: 99% of consumer fireworks and 90% of professional display fireworks used in the U.S. come from China, Heckman said. A 25% to 145% tariff imposed under a trade provision known as Section 301 is adding strain to the supply chain and pricing. China typically halts fireworks production during hot summer months due to safety risks, narrowing the window for U.S. importers to place and receive orders. Zoom in: Bruce Zoldan, CEO of Ohio-based Phantom Fireworks, told Axios that his 100 stores have seen a big surge in recent days. Over the weekend, Phantom also opened 1,600 seasonal stands and tents. "People are starting to buy now," he said, noting sales are almost 30% higher per day than last year. "If you wait until July 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, half the merchandise is sold out and the lines are long." Phantom — the nation's largest consumer-based retail fireworks company, supplying thousands of stores nationwide like Home Depot — received 85% of its inventory prior to tariffs, Zoldan said. "There could be a few minor changes, but for the most part, our prices are stable with the last year," he said. "Now, going into next year that's another story." State of play: Industry leaders say they need an exemption like the one President Trump granted in 2019 to move forward with planning for 2026 and beyond. "Thirty percent is not sustainable — not going into what we think will be the biggest celebration, consumption of fireworks ever on record," Heckman told Axios. "This isn't political for us," Heckman said. "We support the president 100%, and themajority of firework entities and their customers — the folks coming in to celebrate Independence Day — they are his base." The other side: The White House pushed back on the fireworks industry's plea for tariff relief. "Real prosperity and patriotism isn't celebrating the independence of our country with cheap foreign-made firecrackers and trinkets," White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement to Axios. "It's having a country with booming Main Streets, a thriving working class, and robust manufacturing." Yes, but: Heckman said moving fireworks production stateside is impossible, especially for 2026. "Even if we brought some manufacturing back to the U.S., it wouldn't be optimal," Heckman said, noting it's highly dangerous, labor-intensive and regulated. "We could never produce the volume the U.S. relies on for celebrating Independence Day." What's next: Heckman said her organization has been advocating on Capitol Hill and has a meeting in late July with the U.S. Trade Representative's office. "Right now, we're at a standstill," Zoldan said of the fireworks industry. "We're getting close to the point where we have to place our orders for next year, and they have to start manufacturing right after Labor Day." Zoldan said any delay past Labor Day for submitting orders means a certain percentage won't be manufactured in time to get to America.
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Fourth of July fireworks: Here's how Trump's tariffs can take the spark out of it this year
Fourth of July, referred to as Independence Day in the US, is celebrated by Americans in different ways, with one of the major highlights being the fireworks. This year, people might have to spend extra on them due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, NPR reported. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the White House after a Supreme Court ruling curbing judges' power in a case tied to birthright citizenship.(REUTERS) Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, anticipates that people will get a "little less bang" this time. A major reason behind this is that the US is completely dependent on China when it comes to fireworks. These include rockets, fountains, and other items that are used in large numbers by Americans to mark Independence Day. How are Trump's tariffs affecting Fourth of July fireworks? China, a major fireworks supplier across the globe, manufactures 99 per cent of the backyard consumer fireworks as well as 90 per cent of the professional display fireworks for the US market, said Heckman, adding that the country was the "sole source" for fireworks supplies for America. Earlier this year, fireworks were hit by double and triple-digit tariffs by the Trump administration, much like several other things that the country imports from China. During Trump's maiden term, fireworks remained outside the purview of the trade war. The problem is serious this time, forcing some of the fireworks importers to halt deliveries so that they can avoid import taxes on them. Heckman told NPR that there are chances that people might get to witness shortages in product supplies this time. He has even advised customers to be early birds to get the best variety. Few brands, such as the American Fireworks Company, stockpiled fireworks much before the Trump-imposed tariffs came into effect. However, they ended up with a volatile season. John Sorgi, whose great-grandfather started American Fireworks Company, said they have changed product prices four times. Fireworks concern stretches into 2026 Not just 2025, the fireworks industry remains concerned about 2026 as well, when the Fourth of July will be a Saturday, meaning they can expect a jump in sales. The occasion marks the 250th Independence Day of the US. In the US, fireworks from China are being taxed at 30 per cent. This could reach April 2025's level of 145 per cent if no trade agreement is reached. FAQs 1. What actually happened on the 4th of July 1776? On this day, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. 2. What is the Fourth of July supposed to represent? This day marks the declaration of America as an independent state after breaking away from British rule. 3. What is the July 4th celebration for? Independence Day, popularly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the US.
