Liuyang Leads China Fireworks Industry with Strong Growth in EU and Russia Markets
On August 17, data from Changsha Customs revealed that in the first seven months of 2025, fireworks exports from Hunan Province reached RMB 2.96 billion, a year-on-year increase of 23.5%. This accounted for 59.5% of China fireworks exports nationwide.
During this period, Liuyang City—a hub globally recognized as the “capital of fireworks”—exported RMB 2.75 billion worth of fireworks, up 23.1%, representing 93% of the province’s total fireworks exports. Meanwhile, Zhuzhou City exported RMB 210 million, up 27.1%.
In recent years, Liuyang’s fireworks industry has accelerated technological innovation by introducing intelligent robots, developing low-smoke and smokeless pyrotechnic powders, and meeting EU environmental protection standards. These advancements have fueled global interest in “Chinese aesthetics” through fireworks. Some companies have also integrated advanced technologies such as 3D printing and drones to design customized fireworks for premium clients in Europe and North America, meeting rising demand for personalized displays.
From January to July, Hunan’s fireworks exports to the United States reached RMB 990 million, accounting for 33.3% of the province’s total. Exports to the European Union climbed to RMB 1.07 billion, a surge of 78.4%, accounting for 36.1%.
Last year, Europe experienced a “fireworks boom,” with distributors significantly increasing procurement. This year, many traditional exporters that previously focused on the U.S. market shifted their orders toward Europe. Since June, Hunan’s fireworks exports to Europe have exceeded those to the United States. From January to July 2025, Hunan exported RMB 1.27 billion worth of fireworks to the European market, up 74.8%. Of this, RMB 460 million went to Germany (up 101.9%), RMB 140 million to Poland (up 142.7%), and RMB 120 million to the United Kingdom (up 49.2%).
In terms of transportation, Hunan shipped fireworks exports worth RMB 2.88 billion via waterways, up 22.6% and accounting for 97.4% of the total. Road transport accounted for RMB 77.3 million, up 66.3%.
“Direct shipping routes from Yueyang’s Chenglingji Port to Russia’s Vostochny Port have created a faster and more cost-effective channel for Liuyang fireworks to reach overseas markets,” noted Changsha Customs. Previously, fireworks exports to Russia required transit through Europe, which increased time and costs. Now, thanks to the new direct route, transportation time has been shortened by more than a month, and costs have been significantly reduced.
This efficiency boost has stimulated strong demand from Russian buyers. In the first seven months of 2025, Hunan’s fireworks exports to Russia surged to RMB 55.6 million, an 80% increase compared with the same period last year.
