Most of Germany's fireworks come from China

According to the German magazine "Wirtschaftswoche": Millions have called for a ban on fireworks. However, the number of fireworks imported by Germany has reached a record high in decades. Between January and September this year, Germany imported more than 42,400 tons of firecrackers and fireworks rockets. Most of them came from China.

The call for a nationwide ban on fireworks is growing stronger. Over 2.3 million people have signed a petition initiated by the Berlin branch of the Police Union titled "Immediate Implementation of a National Fireworks Ban!"

Critics point out the consequences of private fireworks: Setting off firecrackers and fireworks rockets releases large amounts of fine particulate matter, which burdens the environment and human health. In addition, there is a high risk of accidents. Last New Year's Eve, five people died from fireworks, and hundreds were injured. For pets, New Year's Eve also means great stress.

However, the latest data from the German Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden shows that the number of fireworks imported by Germany has increased significantly. Between January and September, the import of firecrackers and fireworks rockets exceeded 42,400 tons, an increase of nearly two-thirds compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for imports since 2001. Almost all fireworks imported between January and September came from China. For the past about 20 years, Chinese-supplied fireworks products have always accounted for more than 90% of Germany's total imports.

Nevertheless, Felix Martens, general manager of the German Firework Industry Association (BVPK), believes that the value of these data is limited. "There was a significant time lag last year, including the impact caused by trade policy tensions between the US and China," Martens said. Many goods arrived in Europe only in the fourth quarter. And this year, the imports have returned to a more normal schedule, "which makes the quarterly data appear particularly high."

Despite this, the long-term trend remains clearly upward. Since the end of the pandemic, the import and sales of fireworks have continued to grow, and BVPK expects strong growth this year. Martens attributes this phenomenon partially to the social atmosphere. "We live in an era of frequent crises, and many families can afford less consumption, and the wealth gap continues to widen," he said, "yet the sales of fireworks remain high and continue to grow. In my view, this reflects people's desire to reward themselves once a year consciously."

For many people, New Year's Eve has special significance. "It is a moment to say goodbye to the past, with hope, and even some excitement to welcome the new year."

But as demand increases, prices are also rising. According to BVPK data, the price of firecrackers, fireworks rockets, and other New Year's Eve fireworks products has risen by about 15% to 20% this year. The main reason is the change in the production environment in China, such as rising wages.

"In addition, because fireworks are hazardous goods, they require special transportation, and logistics costs are very high, not ordinary container transportation," Martens said. In Germany, wages, rents, and transportation costs have also risen sharply, and ultimately are passed on to consumers.

Another challenge is the storage of fireworks. For this, special approval is required for explosive warehouses, and such warehouses are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. The background is that during the process of re-militarization, the military industry and the military have increasing demand for storage space. The fireworks industry is almost unable to compete with these areas in terms of economic strength.

"Germany once had a very diverse and long-standing fireworks culture," Martens said. But like many handicraft industries, since the 1960s, due to cost reasons, production gradually shifted to China. However, this does not mean a decrease in safety. "The relevant products must meet European standards, and strict and comprehensive quality inspections are carried out both at the production site and after the goods arrive in Germany."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852984305648640/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author."