The sale of fireworks in the United States has been a healthy business for ten plus years now, showing little or no sign of decline during the recession of 2007—2009. In fact, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, each year of the decade between 2000 and 2010 saw increased revenues for the industry, averaging 5.7% growth annually. In terms of explosive power, measured in pounds of explosive material, however, 2005 was the peak year.
Sales to the public in general make up approximately two thirds of fireworks industry sales. The steadily rising sales in this industry are, in part, due to an increasing number of states that allow for the sale of fireworks. Only four states, as of January 2011, continue to ban the sale of fireworks. Restrictions upon the use of fireworks are, however, more widespread.
Today’s market size is total fireworks industry revenue and total pounds of explosives sold in various years.
Geographic reference: United States
Year: 2000, 2005 and 2010
Market size: 2000 — $610 million and 152.2 million lbs.
Market size: 2005 — $880 million and 281.5 million lbs.
Market size: 2010 — $952 million and figures on the number of pounds of explosives that were sold are not yet available.
Source: “Fireworks Industry Facts & Figures,” a web site with industry statistics offered by the American Pyrotechnics Association and available here.