The U.S. trade war with China has sharply curbed fireworks imports. "The timing of the tariffs couldn't have hit at a worse time," one industry rep says.

Fireworks sales are expected to pick up leading into July 4 holiday, especially on the final two days, according to tent operators. But not every seller is seeing the same momentum. “It’s a lot slower than last year, that’s for sure,” said Timothy Buxton, who’s helping run a Phantom Fireworks tent in Saginaw Township. “We’re hoping it picks up.”