Fourth of July: Stars & Stripes and Fireworks

Oregonians across the state will be celebrating the 240^th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence with barbeques featuring Oregon-grown fare, pies made from Oregon cherries, and fireworks as permitted under Oregon Revised Statutes 480.110 through 480.165. They will also enjoy displays created by Oregon’s professional pyrotechnic companies.

Fireworks

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that $311.7 million worth of fireworks were imported from China in 2015. U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $12.7 million in 2015, with Singapore purchasing more than any other country ($4.6 million). According to the 2012 Economic Census, sales of fireworks by wholesalers totaled $482.6 million, while sales of fireworks by retailers totaled $368.6 million.

Stars and Stripes

In 2015, the annul value of imported U.S. flags was $4.4 million according to the International Trade Statistics. The majority of imported flags were from China, with a value of $4.3 million. The U.S. exported $3.1 million worth of U.S. flags, with Mexico being the leading customer.

Population

In July, 1776, about 2.5 million people lived in the thirteen independent colonies, according to Historical Statistics of the United States, 1789-1945. Last Fourth of July, the estimated U.S. population was 321.4 million and Oregon’s population was 4 million.