China Supplies The Fireworks While Idaho Brings The (You Guessed It) Potato Salad

MarzBars / Flickr Creative Commons

Chances are, the potatoes in your potato salad come from Idaho.

Say you’re invited to a 4th of July-themed potluck, you may or may not be surprised to find China brings a big chunk of Americana to the table.

The U.S. Census Bureau looks at exports and imports of goods many Americans associate with July 4.  Things like fireworks, flags, hotdogs, and potato salad (this is where Idaho comes in).

Here are the stats from Census:

• $232.3 million: The value of fireworks imported from China in 2011.  Most, $223.4 million, of all fireworks imported to the U.S. are from China.
• $15.8 million: U.S. exports of fireworks in 2011. At $4.5 million, Australia bought more than any other country.
• $3.6 million: The dollar value of imported American flags in 2011.  Most, $3.3 million worth, were made in China.
• $663,071: The U.S. exports flags too.  Mexico was the top customer, buying $80,349 worth.
• Chances are the pork hot dog or sausage on your BBQ came from Iowa.  As of March 1, there were almost 20 million hogs and pigs living in Iowa.  North Carolina (8.6 million) and Minnesota (7.6 million) are also homes to a lot of pigs.
• Is potato salad or chips on the menu?  About half the nation’s potatoes were produced in Idaho or Washington last year