Fireworks Troubles in 2021

China stopped producing fireworks. What does that mean for pyrotechnics enthusiasts, and how will it affect the industry this season?

Let’s be honest—everyone felt the impact of the pandemic. Some industries thrived, but others, like pyrotechnics, have faced growing challenges.

Disrupted supply chains, soaring prices, and the discontinuation of high-powered firecrackers—these are just some of the issues the industry has faced over the past year. But is COVID-19 really the only factor to blame?

New Fireworks Production Rules

It all started in February 2020. Typically, this is when Chinese fireworks factories resume operations after Chinese New Year. But due to COVID-related restrictions, this time was different.

To reopen, factories had to meet new safety requirements and reconfigure their workspaces to ensure employee protection. In reality, even something as basic as acquiring enough face masks was a major hurdle.

Some factories managed to resume operations, only to be hit with more bad news on March 1:

🚫 Export ban on firecrackers over 0.2g NEC

This effectively ended the global production of strong firecrackers—something few importers or wholesalers were prepared for.

In Poland and across Europe, stocks are shrinking fast, and there's currently no expectation of new deliveries. This alone has caused a significant spike in firecracker prices… and it’s far from over.

Between April and November 2020, China issued a series of new decrees affecting both fireworks production and especially transport:

• Changes to ADR classification rules

• New documentation and packaging regulations

• Stricter export permit requirements

• Tighter transport controls for pyrotechnic materials

Factories that failed to comply faced steep fines—or permanent shutdowns. As a result, many were forced to halt production entirely to restructure operations. By then, experts were already warning of major delays in deliveries to Europe.

What’s Going On with Transport?

As if things weren’t bad enough, the second half of 2020 saw maritime shipping costs skyrocket. And this wasn’t just a fireworks issue—it impacted any industry importing from China.

Demand for Chinese goods exploded during the pandemic, creating a shortage of shipping containers. Even companies that managed to pay for shipping had no guarantee their goods would get a ride.

Add to that:

• Port congestion worldwide

• Pandemic restrictions varying by country

• And the Suez Canal blockage, which caused weeks of additional delays

All these issues compounded into massive backlogs and further inflated shipping costs.

Why Are Prices Still Rising?

In May 2021, another blow came: a 50%+ increase in the cost of raw materials used in fireworks production. Prices soared across the board:

• Strontium ↑ 50%

• Paper ↑ 60%

• Aluminum ↑ 40%

• And more...

Every raw material essential to fireworks became more expensive. And worse—word spread that due to global shortages and political tensions, another price hike was expected soon.

Is There Anything to Celebrate? In China, Always...

So is price inflation and a shortage of firecrackers our only problem in 2021? Sadly, no.

Even if importers are willing to pay the increased rates, it doesn’t guarantee production or delivery. Why?

Because in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese government suspended pyrotechnics production from June 20 for two months.

This break extended the usual summer production halt (due to heat), and preceded another traditional break for the Dragon Boat Festival.

The result? Many factories won’t meet their production targets—and Europe may receive less than half of its fireworks orders this year.

Final Advice

Don’t wait until the last minute.

If you want to secure your favorite fireworks, act early—while they're still available. We’re facing a perfect storm of production freezes, rising costs, and delayed deliveries.

The pyrotechnic world has changed—and only those who plan ahead will still have something to light up the sky.