Missouri

Who buys the most fireworks? Missouri leads the US with Kansas close behind, data show

When it comes to buying fireworks, Missouri soars higher than any state and it’s not even close, data show.

Missouri imported more than $51 million in fireworks last year, according to U.S. trade census data analyzed by Value Penguin. That leads the nation in total value and per capita.

About 99% of all fireworks sold to be shot off at homes for Fourth of July are imported from China, the American Pyrotechnics Association said in 2019.

China also produces 75% of fireworks used in professional displays, the group says. The U.S. produces about 5% of all fireworks used for professional displays, with Japan, Italy, Spain and Germany making up the remaining 20%.

Missouri shipped in $8.34 in fireworks per resident in 2019, while Alabama was second at $5.80 followed by Kansas at $5.53, according to the analysis.

Here’s a look at the top 10 states in per capita imports as reported by Value Penguin:

StateValue of imported fireworks per capitaImported value of Fireworks
Missouri$8.34$51,088,748
Alabama$5.80$28,353,392
Kansas$5.53$16,099,349
Wyoming$4.07$2,349,166
South Carolina$3.72$18,913,998
Nebraska$3.45$6,648,462
North Dakota$2.89$2,199,618
Montana$2.66$2,826,581
Ohio$2.60$30,444,688
Nevada$2.43$7,366,040
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Chacour Koop
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Chacour Koop is a Real-Time reporter based in Kansas City. Previously, he reported for the Associated Press, Galveston County Daily News and Daily Herald in Chicago.
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