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We love our celebratory explosives in S.C.
Staff //July 2, 2021//
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States with robust fireworks markets
Rankings determined by dollar value of fireworks imports into the state, divided by population.
| Rank Per capita | Imports |
|---|---|
| 1. Missouri | $42,283,229 |
| 2. Nebraska | $11,182,825 |
| 3. Kansas | $12,247,314 |
| 4. Alabama | $19,396,430 |
| 5. South Carolina | $18,999,940 |
| 6. Wyoming | $1,853,759 |
| 7. Nevada | $7,548,350 |
| 8. North Dakota | $1,913,692 |
| 9. Indiana | $16,375,305 |
| 10. Ohio | $26,514,838 |
Source: Zippia, U.S. Census Bureau
Maybe it’s because fireworks are illegal in North Carolina. Maybe it’s because we’re more patriotic than 45 other states in the U.S. However, the data is clear. South Carolinians love to shoot fireworks on holidays like July 4.
Online career portal Zippia did a survey of census and import trade data and found that South Carolina has the fifth-highest economic activity per capita surrounding the fireworks sector in the entire country.
We’re expecting this year to be bigger than most. At 44.3%, according to the latest data from the Mayo Clinic, we’re also one of the bright spots in terms of vaccination rates. That means there’s a lot of people feeling safer about going out to spend money and shooting fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday with their friends and family.
Fireworks stands are popping up in most of the cities and towns all over the Palmetto State. There seems to be a lot of pent-up demand to spend money and blow off steam. That’s not just anecdotal, either.
Superior Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks retailers and wholesalers in the Southeast, reports prices are 15% higher this year because global demand for products are outstripping supply from China. The company has a retail operation and wholesale distribution center in Orange Park, Fla.
Like any seasonal commodity, fireworks are susceptible to supply chain pressures, such as shipping costs, raw materials, manufacturing and the strength of the U.S. dollar in a global economy.
So if you’re worried about a bottle rocket hitting the roof of your house — please keep a look out — or the nightly boom boom boom scaring the dog, just remember, that’s the sound of money and the global supply chain working.
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