"It's a really bizarre situation that we have one segment of the industry that's going to have a record-breaking year," Heckman said, "and the other side of the industry is potentially crippled forever."
But industry leaders are worried about shortages.
China normally ramps up production for fireworks in winter — but this year, the pandemic forced most of the factories to close.
Chinese exports fell to essentially zero in January, and in the first four months of 2020, the United States imported 35% fewer fireworks than during the same period in 2019.
Fireworks retailers are now struggling to meet demand.