Valentine’s Day Masks Struggles For Colombia’s Flower Industry
Millions of Colombian roses have once again flooded the US for Valentine’s Day, underscoring the country’s critical role in the global flower trade, as mounting economic challenges continue to threaten the industry.
Colombia is the world’s second-largest flower exporter, behind the Netherlands, and the primary supplier to the US market, shipping an estimated 65,000 tons of fresh-cut blooms in the month leading up to February 14th – roughly 20% of its annual output.
This year, however, the surge in demand has been tempered by mounting economic pressures. A 10% US tariff introduced last April as part of President Trump’s broader trade measures has tightened margins in an industry heavily reliant on American buyers. With around 80% of Colombia’s flower exports destined for the US, even small policy shifts carry significant consequences.
Further strain has come from currency and labour costs. The Colombian peso has strengthened nearly 12% against the dollar over the past year, making exports more expensive for US importers. Meanwhile, a 23% rise in Colombia’s minimum wage has increased operating costs in a labour-intensive sector that supports about 240,000 workers.
Yet despite the squeeze on margins, demand remains robust. Flowers continue to rank among the largest imports into Miami International Airport. Of the 3.5 million tons of cargo that arrived last year, flowers accounted for roughly 400,000 tonnes, or 11.4%. So far this year, flower imports have risen by about 6% compared with the same period last year, offering a measure of hope for Colombia’s embattled growers.
