Next year our great country will celebrate its 250th anniversary, a monumental milestone in American history. President Donald Trump has called for a year of celebrations across the country, including the Great American State Fair right here in Iowa. As managing partner of a small chain of retail firework stores in Eastern Iowa, like many other local businesses, we’re doing our best to prepare for the festivities, but businesses like ours are facing serious challenges that threaten not only our ability to be a part of that celebration, but our ability to stay open at all.
At least 99% of consumer fireworks come from China, and there is no excess capacity in any other country to produce this product. The current tariffs on Chinese imports are now at 145%, which more than doubles the cost of fireworks for us, and in turn, our customers. This is an enormous burden for small businesses like mine, and we’re already seeing the fallout. Some suppliers are halting shipments, and we are expecting to see a major shortage. If these tariffs continue, the entire industry could effectively be shut down.
There is no quick fix. Building supply chains in new countries takes years. Efforts are underway, but we need time and support, not crushing costs that make it impossible for us to operate in the meantime. We cannot avoid the consequences of these tariffs.
We are proud to be part of what makes Iowa special, but to keep doing that we need policies that work for us, not against us. I applaud Senator Grassley’s legislation to give Congress a stronger voice in tariff decisions. Iowa’s small businesses are resilient, but we’re being stretched to the limit.
The current approach to tariffs is hurting local businesses, job creators and community leaders who are just trying to stay afloat. I urge Iowa’s congressional members to consider the long-term harm these tariffs are doing to small businesses in Iowa, and across the country. I hope they will stand with Iowa’s small business community and help bring balance back to our economic policies.
– Justin Bartlett, Cedar Falls
We welcome your letters
Please send us your comments, views and ideas. Include your name, hometown and/or your business or organization. Send letters to [email protected]
