As America Marks Its 250th Fourth of July, Presidential Tariffs Have Added Billions in Costs to Everything From Fireworks to Grills, Coolers to Swimsuits

Cumulative tariffs have driven up the cost of nearly every Independence Day product, and the administration is moving to make them permanent under Section 301 even after the Supreme Court struck down its IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 2, 2026 – As Americans celebrate the nation’s 250th Independence Day, We Pay the Tariffs today released data showing that presidential tariffs have added billions in costs to the imported products at the heart of the Fourth of July, from fireworks and grills to flags, coolers, and patio furniture.

Many of these costs came from IEEPA tariffs that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional, leaving small businesses owed billions in refunds that have yet to arrive. Rather than provide that relief, the administration replaced the struck-down tariffs with Section 122 tariffs and has signaled it will use Section 301 to lock the same costs in permanently. Those tariffs come on top of existing Section 232 tariffs, creating unprecedented layers of tariffs that businesses must pay and navigate.

The breakdown of added tariff costs on Fourth of July holiday products includes:

Fireworks: $100 million in added tariffs prior to May 2026 when imports are likely to surge for the 250th celebrations. Nearly all consumer fireworks are imported, the overwhelming majority from China.

Party and picnic supplies: nearly $1 billion in added tariffs. Paper and plastic plates and cups, utensils, tablecloths, napkins are largely imported and hit by past IEEPA, current Section 122, and potentially future Section 301 tariffs.

Grills and grill tools: over $700 million in added tariffs. Steel and aluminum grills, their components, and the tools used to cook on them typically face Section 232 “national security” tariffs.

Beach and pool wear: over $650 million in added tariffs on swimsuits, sunglasses, and goggles. These costs stem largely from past IEEPA, current Section 122, and potentially future Section 301 tariffs. 

Coolers, tumblers, and coozies: over $500 million in added tariffs on things to keep your food and beverages cool as the temperatures heat up. These costs stem largely from past IEEPA, current Section 122, and potentially future Section 301 tariffs.

Patio and outdoor furniture: over $500 million in added tariffs. Imported tables, chairs, and umbrellas face Section 232 metal tariffs and threatened Section 301 tariffs.

Beverage cans: over $130 million in added tariffs. Aluminum cans for beer, soda, and seltzer are hit by Section 232 aluminum tariffs.

Swimming pools: over $100 million in added tariffs on swimming pools and parts, from past IEEPA, current Section 122, and potentially future Section 301 tariffs.

“On the country’s 250th birthday, many products fundamental to our Fourth of July celebrations carry historically high tariffs,” said Dan Anthony, Executive Director of We Pay the Tariffs. “Americans are anxious about costs this summer, and tariffs remain a key factor. Unfortunately, the administration is fighting tariff refunds in court and looking to make tariffs permanent instead of giving consumers and small businesses much-needed relief. As a nation born from fighting unfair taxes and ‘for cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world,’ our hope is that Congress is reminded this 4th to finally take it upon themselves to declare independence from this administration’s tariffs.”

The Supreme Court struck down the administration’s IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional, but small businesses have yet to see all of the refunds they are owed. In their place, the administration imposed Section 122 tariffs of 10% on imports from nearly every country, a 150-day measure now nearing its expiration. The administration has signaled it will use that window to make the same costs permanent through Section 301 tariffs.

Additional data, compiled by Trade Partnership Worldwide, is available alongside stories from tariff-impacted small businesses at https://www.wepaythetariffs.com/impact-map