"What does a molded firework tube actually cost?" is the first question every importer asks us - and the hardest to answer honestly without context. This guide gives you real 2026 numbers and shows you exactly what moves the price up or down.
2026 price ranges (FOB China port)
| Tube type | Spec example | FOB unit price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain / candle tube | 25-45mm ID | $0.08 - $0.25 |
| Small mortar (3-4") | 76-104mm ID | $0.90 - $1.80 |
| Medium mortar (5-6") | 127-155mm ID | $2.60 - $3.20 |
| Large mortar (8"+) | 203mm+ ID | $4.50 - $7.00 |
| Custom molded parts | per drawing | quoted per spec |
Ranges assume standard wall spec, 20ft container quantities, plain finish.
The six factors that move your price
- Order quantity. The single biggest lever. Moving from a 5,000-piece trial to a full container typically saves 18-30% per unit.
- Wall thickness. Heavy-duty walls use more pulp and longer press cycles. Reinforcing a 6" mortar adds roughly $0.40-0.60.
- Length tolerance. Standard +/-2mm cutting is free; precision +/-0.5mm adds a small per-piece charge.
- Printing and branding. One-color logo printing is nearly free at volume; full-color wraps cost more.
- Moisture-proof treatment. Wax or resin coating adds $0.05-0.15 per tube - worth it for tropical destinations.
- Packing. Bulk cartons are standard; palletized, shrink-wrapped export packing adds a modest fee but saves on freight damage.
How importers keep 70%+ margin
Our wholesale partners typically resell molded mortars at 2.5-3.5x their landed cost. The math that makes it work:
- Order full containers - freight per tube drops below $0.10
- Standardize on 3-4 core SKUs instead of dozens of odd sizes
- Use free samples to validate quality before the first container, not after
Get your exact number
Every display company buys differently, so we do not publish a flat price list. Send your sizes, quantities and destination port - you will have a firm FOB quote, lead time and packing plan within 24 hours.
