04/05/2026
News Channel 8
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — For 50 years Randy Scott has been in the fireworks business. A business that's the perfect blend of US demand...
"Fireworks is the celebration of America’s founding," he said.
"I’m an importer direct from China," he said.
100% of his products come from China and fortunately this year he's already stocked up.
"WE WILL NOT BE RAISING OUR PRICES this year but we’re going to have to watch it real close what happens in Washington DC," he said.
Scott says he imports between seven to eight containers a year from China.
"We have already gotten 3 in with one on the water now and three more in China," he said.
And that larger companies in the world of fireworks are pumping the brakes.
"Some of the big companies that imports 500 plus containers, they’re canceling some of their containers and they’re saying there might be a slight shortage of fireworks this year," he said.
One of the goals of the tariffs is to encourage American manufacturing, but with fireworks...
"Even if we did start manufacturing in the states we would still have to import the chemicals from China," he said.
Despite being surrounded by explosives every day and dealing with the potential of an explosion in prices, Scott is remarkably calm and supportive of the tariff's objectives.
"The overall big, big picture, I believe it will help America," he said.
What's more, Scott says he's hopeful that current lobbying efforts by NFA will bring down the tariffs to 15 to 20% by the time he reorders for next year.
"I don’t believe it’s going to last. I believe that Trump will get it negotiated with China and the Tarriffffs will be reduced," he said.
But if that doesn't happen and the tariffs stand? Well, that's when the safety slogan on his t-shirt could just as easily double as economic advice.
IF I RUN YOU RUN!!!!!
