今年春节烟花爆竹销量下降

The Lunar New Year usually means big business for firework sellers across China. Liuyang city in Hunan province is where many of the world's fireworks are made. But this year, fireworks companies say they’re expecting orders to fall significantly, as local governments cut back on public displays.

At this time of year, this used to be a super busy fireworks manufacturing factory in Liuyang, Hunan province, the world’s capital of fireworks production. However, it's been quiet just as the Chinese lunar New Year is around the corner.

The Dancing Fireworks Company, which has participated in many domestic art and music festivals, has not received a single government call to bid on fireworks shows. The ongoing frugality campaign by the central government has dealt the company a heavy blow.

"The approaching Lunar New Year festivities used to mean big business. About one-third of our revenue usually comes over the holiday fortnight. But this year, it’s estimated that it may drop by 70% percent. We will have the exact number after the festival," said Zhong Ziqi, CEO of Dancing Fireworks.Co.

A circular released in late November by the country’s top disciplinary watchdog, urged officials not to buy fireworks and firecrackers with public funds during the holidays. Many local governments and state-owned enterprises have responded to the call and canceled fireworks shows planned during the lunar New Year, a festival that usually features massive pyrotechnics.

"There are 1,024 fireworks companies in Liuyang. It is definitely the pillar industry here. The domestic fireworks market has shrunk significantly, as they are following the government’s call to reduce their budgets for fireworks shows. But the good news is that export sales have increased 10 percent," said Hu Jianjun, deputy director of Liuyang Fireworks Admin. Bureau.

Furthermore, the air pollution in northern China has caused firework sales to plummet even more. Many people are calling on others to not set off firecrackers in a bid for cleaner air during the Spring Festival.

Beijing has even banned fireworks and firecracker celebrations if serious air pollution is forecast for the holidays. The ban will take effect if orange or red alerts for air pollution are issued.

"Liuyang is home to over 1,000 companies producing all manner of fireworks. But their sales during this upcoming Spring Festival season may be lower than usual due to the frugality campaign by the central government and the lingering smog in Northern China. However, the manufacturers are still positive about the market prospects and looking for a way out," said Xia Ruixue.

To survive this predicament, fireworks manufacturers are developing environmentally friendly products and tapping rural markets, which are less affected by air pollution. The Dancing Fireworks Company has also been eyeing the overseas market. Its increasing export sales have helped decrease the company’s total losses during the Spring Festival.