New Year’s Eve fireworks dazzle billions across the globe. But as cities across Asia maintain their spectacular pyrotechnic displays, the rising costs are prompting a critical look at these cherished celebrations.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Sydney’s two New Year’s Eve displays in 2024 saw the launch of 8.5 tonnes of aerial shells, comets and mines from the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and multiple barges, lasted a combined 21 minutes and cost a whopping A$6m (US$4m). Singapore’s 2024 Marina Bay show ran for a more modest 12 minutes (although the 2025 extravaganza will be 30 minutes long) and came in at less than S$1m (US$750,000) but reached ‘the high six-figures’, according to fireworks business Explomo.
Hong Kong’s 23-minute Lunar New Year firework display in 2024 cost HK$13m
Draw of the drones
But these glitzy shows are changing. Cheaper drone light shows are emerging as a cost-effective alternative, offering the visual splendour without the environmental impact. Drone shows also eliminate concerns about smoke, pollution and noise while providing comparable entertainment value. Lacking the big bangs of gunpowder fireworks (to the delight of some and the disappointment of others), drone shows are often choreographed in sync with a music soundtrack.
Adding to the challenges of traditional fireworks are the supply chain disruptions of the past few years that have drastically pushed up costs. The wholesale price of fireworks – already high due to their classification as dangerous cargo – soared by over 40% in the first four months of 2024.
‘A significant cost factor for fireworks is physically moving and insuring them while in transit from China to consumers all over the world,’ says Jay Zagorsky, an associate professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business who has followed the fireworks industry for years.
The rising costs of shipping from China – the world’s largest pyrotechnic producer, responsible for nearly 65% of global fireworks – hit fireworks hard in early 2024. While China’s shipping challenges sent ripples through the industry, Zagorsky believes the subsequent fall in shipping rates spells good news. ‘The fall in Baltic shipping rates from their recent highs means the wholesale price of fireworks will be coming down in 2025,’ he says.
Australian fireworks supplier Fireworks Australia agrees. ‘There has been some supply chain disruption since Covid, but things are clearing up,’ says a company spokesperson. ‘There’s some light at the end of the tunnel.’
Drone shows are especially popular in drought zones with wildfire risks
Reinventing the sparkle
As drone shows continue to gain traction for major celebrations, firework suppliers and event organisers are reinventing their displays. ‘Drones are initially expensive to purchase and programme but can be reused,’ Zagorsky points out.
The trend is visible in major events worldwide. To herald the arrival of 2024, Bangkok’s IconSiam mall showcased a combined choreographed display of 2,000 drones with 50,000 fireworks along the Chao Phraya River in a three-night spectacle that included A-list bands and singers (which helped pushed the cost to US$8.5m).
In the US, the shift is particularly noticeable in fire-prone regions. US-based Sky Elements staged 35 public drone shows for the Fourth of July celebrations this year, each featuring 100–500 drones. These shows have become especially popular in states such as New Mexico, Colorado and California, where drought conditions and wildfire risks have led to firework bans.
Yet drone shows have their own challenges. Hong Kong, for example, had to cancel its National Day drone display this year because of solar interference, while Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands scrapped its Lunar New Year 2024 drone show as a result of mechanical problems.
Some argue that drone displays lack the visceral impact of traditional fireworks. ‘You’re not getting the bang,’ says the Fireworks Australia spokesperson, ‘and they are very expensive to put on.’
