Fireworks retailers have warned of a shortage of rockets ahead of Bonfire Night after a deadly explosion at a Chinese fireworks factory disrupted global supplies.
Local sellers say their orders have been delayed, with the industry also fearing prices could increase by up to 30pc next year due to regulatory changes in Asia.
It comes after an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang - one of the world's largest fireworks manufacturing centres and a major supplier to the UK market - killed 37 people and injured 51, leading to major investigations and safety inspections.
Following the explosion in May, Chinese authorities suspended fireworks production, causing delays to manufacturing and exports as finished products now have to undergo additional inspections and certification.
Chris Bell, owner of Norfolk Fireworks in Stalham, said rockets are in particularly short supply as the factory was reportedly a major rocket producer.
A rocket is a type of firework propelled into the air before exploding overhead, typically producing coloured sparks or other effects.
Mr Bell said: “Everyone in the industry is facing difficulties this year with the shortage of fireworks.
“A lot of the new fireworks that were planned to arrive this year are now not going to arrive in time for Bonfire Nights.
“I'm hearing a lot of news from quite reliable sources that the Chinese want to phase out rockets, so it may well be that we don't see big rockets being produced anymore.”
Industry reports suggest China could tighten its rules on higher-risk products, including rockets.
Mr Bell opened Norfolk Fireworks in 2022 and now delivers nationally through a specialist courier who can transport explosives.
Because Chinese fireworks manufacturers have been forced to invest heavily in greater safety measures, the cost is expected to be passed on to importers and then retailers.
“A few importers have put their price up this year, but I think it's going to have more of an impact in 2027,” Mr Bell added.
“There's talk that there could be an increase of as much as 30pc next year."
Mr Bell said a 30pc rise would add between £10,000 and £15,000 to his annual costs, adding: "That’s worst-case scenario.
"I always try and keep a year’s worth of supply, but that can be difficult because you don’t know how sales are going to be.
“So far I have only seen a 5pc increase from one of my suppliers.
“But the main impact for this year is that there is a shortage of rockets, in particular big rockets.
“I didn’t get all of my stock this year, but I got the majority. Because I’m an all-year-round retailer, I place my orders early, usually in January, February and March, before the explosion happened in May.
“But I am low on rockets, which is the same for a lot of retailers.”
Currently, rockets account for 10pc to 15pc of the fireworks stocked for Norfolk Fireworks.
Mr Bell said that there has also been a drop in demand for low-noise fireworks, which are designed to minimise loud explosions in favour of vibrant colours and mesmerising effects.
“Low-noise fireworks make up less than 5pc of our sales," he said.
"It’s a small percentage of our business, which shows to me that there is not much of a demand.
“We used to stock quite a big range of low-noise fireworks, but last year we didn’t have hardly any sales. They’re just not as popular as traditional fireworks.
“The biggest misconception is that people think they’re silent. But you cannot buy a silent firework because you have to have a lift charge to get it into the air, which is going to create some noise."
Mr Bell said the average customer at Norfolk Fireworks will spend between £150 and £250.
"The big packs that I do, the Ultimate Pro Display Pack, go up to £1,500," he added.
“Our most expensive single firework is £369.99. That’s made up of several 'cakes' all pre-fused together so the customer only has to light a single fuse.
"They’re known as a compound firework, which is the most popular firework in the UK. They’ll last for anywhere from a minute to three minutes."
MARTYN'S LAW
The supply problems come as the fireworks industry is also preparing for Martyn’s Law, with larger public displays facing new security requirements as organisers contend with rising costs and tighter regulation.
Public firework displays attracting 800 or more people could fall within its enhanced requirements.
Formally named the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, it received Royal Assent in April last year.
But the Government says there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months before organisations are legally required to comply.
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