Impact of Trump Tariffs on Florists Worldwide

In 2025, the Trump administration implemented a series of tariffs on imported goods, including a universal 10% tariff on all U.S. imports and higher reciprocal tariffs on specific countries, such as up to 54% on China and 20-25% on the European Union. These tariffs have significantly impacted the global floral industry, which relies heavily on international trade, particularly for cut flowers and floral supplies. This guide explores how these tariffs affect florists worldwide, focusing on supply chains, pricing, and adaptation strategies, with insights into regional impacts.

1. Overview of Trump Tariffs and the Floral Industry

The U.S. is a major market for cut flowers, with approximately 80-88% of its flowers imported, primarily from Colombia (60-78%) and Ecuador (significant share of roses). The tariffs, effective from April 2025, include:

10% baseline tariff on all imports, except for Canada and Mexico under the USMCA trade agreement, which remain tariff-free for qualifying goods.
Higher tariffs on specific countries, such as 54% on Chinese goods (affecting floral supplies like vases and foam) and 20-25% on EU imports (e.g., tulip bulbs from the Netherlands).
Previous trade agreements disrupted, notably the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA), which previously allowed tariff-free flower imports from Colombia.
Additional tariffs on inputs like packaging, fertilizers, and plant cuttings from countries like Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Kenya.

These policies have increased costs for imported flowers and supplies, affecting florists globally through supply chain dynamics and pricing pressures.

2. Impact on Florists in the United States

Supply Chain Challenges

Increased Costs: The 10% tariff on flowers from Colombia and Ecuador, combined with higher tariffs on hard goods from China, has raised wholesale prices. Florists report price increases of 10-25% for flowers and supplies like vases, floral foam, and containers.
Limited Domestic Alternatives: While tariffs may encourage domestic flower production, the U.S. lacks the infrastructure to immediately replace imports, which account for 80% of consumption. Scaling up local production could take years.
Customs Processing: At hubs like Miami International Airport, a 10% tariff is added as a separate line item, but the process remains largely unchanged, adding to costs without immediate supply chain disruptions.

Consumer Price Increases

Florists are passing increased costs to consumers, particularly during high-demand seasons like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Price hikes of 10-25% are expected, with elaborate or out-of-season arrangements seeing higher increases.
Wedding florists face challenges with pre-orders, as costs quoted months in advance may rise, leading to potential losses or renegotiations with clients.

Adaptation Strategies

Sourcing Local Flowers: Florists like Robyn Desimone in Washington and Nicole Alston in Maryland are turning to local growers to mitigate tariff costs, though local supply is limited and cannot fully meet demand.
Creative Substitutions: Florists are using alternative blooms or locally available flowers to maintain quality while controlling costs. For example, Kate Penn of the Society of American Florists notes that florists are skilled at creating impactful arrangements with substitutions.
Advocacy: The Society of American Florists (SAF) and the Association of Floral Importers of Florida (AFIF) are lobbying for exemptions and the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to restore duty-free access, potentially saving $20 million annually.
Diversifying Suppliers: Florists are encouraged to establish relationships with multiple suppliers, including domestic farms, to reduce reliance on tariffed imports.

3. Impact on Florists in Key Exporting Countries

Colombia

Market Dynamics: Colombia, supplying 60-78% of U.S. cut flowers, lost its zero-tariff status under the CTPA, facing a 10% tariff. This has increased costs for U.S. importers, potentially reducing demand for Colombian flowers.
Economic Impact: The Colombian flower industry employs over 140,000 people, many in rural areas. Higher tariffs threaten jobs and export revenue, though temporary resolutions (e.g., compliance with U.S. deportation demands) have paused some tariff threats.
Response: Colombian growers are negotiating with the Trump administration to restore favorable trade terms, but ongoing uncertainty may force price adjustments or market diversification to other countries.

Ecuador

Tariff Burden: Ecuador faces an effective 16.8% tariff (10% universal + 6.8% pre-existing), impacting its rose exports, which are critical to the U.S. market.
Industry Response: Expoflores, led by Eduardo Letort, is engaging with the Trump administration to negotiate tariff reductions. Growers are also exploring cost-sharing with U.S. wholesalers to maintain competitiveness.
Challenges: Ecuador’s favorable climate and low labor costs make it a key supplier, but higher tariffs could reduce its market share if U.S. florists pivot to domestic or tariff-free sources like Canada.

Netherlands and the EU

Higher Tariffs: The EU faces 20-25% tariffs, affecting Dutch tulip bulbs and other flowers. Dutch suppliers, a key source for U.S. growers like Maya Kosok in Baltimore, report rising costs and sourcing challenges due to tariffs and climate change.
Impact on Florists: EU-based florists may face reduced U.S. demand, prompting them to seek alternative markets or absorb costs, which is challenging given thin margins.

China

Hard Goods Impact: China supplies most floral hard goods (vases, foam, ribbons). The 54% tariff significantly increases costs, affecting florists globally who rely on Chinese suppliers for U.S. orders.
Global Ripple Effect: Florists in countries exporting to the U.S. face higher costs for supplies, reducing profitability unless prices are adjusted.

4. Global Ripple Effects

Supply Chain Disruptions: Tariffs on inputs like fertilizers and packaging from China and Canada affect growers worldwide, increasing production costs. For example, Canadian potting soil (e.g., ProMix) is vital for many global farms, and a 25% tariff raises costs for growers exporting to the U.S.
Market Shifts: Countries like Colombia and Ecuador may seek new markets (e.g., Europe or Asia) if U.S. demand drops, but this requires time and investment.
Consumer Behavior: Higher U.S. prices may reduce demand for luxury purchases like flowers, impacting global exporters. Florists worldwide are advised to market flowers as affordable sources of joy to counter economic downturns.
Sustainability Push: Tariffs may encourage a shift to local and sustainable sourcing globally, as seen in the U.S. with initiatives like Slow Flowers, which could inspire similar movements elsewhere.

5. Regional Perspectives

Europe

UK Florists: Posts on X suggest UK florists fear devastating impacts from potential trade disruptions, though specific tariffs on UK flowers are not detailed. The UK’s £4 billion floristry industry, reliant on imports like orchids and chrysanthemums, could face indirect effects if U.S. demand shifts.
EU Growers: Dutch and other EU growers face reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market due to 20-25% tariffs, prompting exploration of domestic or alternative export markets.

Latin America

Colombia and Ecuador: As primary U.S. suppliers, these countries face direct tariff impacts, threatening jobs and economic stability. Strategic planning and diplomatic negotiations are underway to mitigate effects.
Mexico and Canada: Tariff exemptions under USMCA benefit Mexican and Canadian growers, potentially increasing their U.S. market share. However, proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico (paused until April 2025) create uncertainty.

Asia

China: Chinese suppliers of hard goods face significant cost increases, impacting florists worldwide who source vases and accessories for U.S. clients.
Other Asian Countries: Countries like Indonesia, facing a 19% tariff, may see reduced demand for inputs like spices or packaging, indirectly affecting floral production costs.

6. Recommendations for Florists Worldwide

Diversify Supply Chains: Source from multiple countries, including tariff-free regions like Canada and Mexico, and local growers where possible.
Embrace Local and Sustainable Sourcing: Partner with local farms (e.g., Slow Flowers in the U.S.) to reduce reliance on imports and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Transparent Pricing: Communicate tariff-driven price increases to customers while emphasizing the value of flowers for emotional well-being.
Advocacy and Collaboration: Join industry groups like SAF or AFIF to advocate for tariff exemptions and share data with policymakers.
Innovate Designs: Use native, seasonal, or dried flowers to create cost-effective, unique arrangements that maintain profitability.
Monitor Trade Policies: Stay informed about tariff updates and diplomatic negotiations, as exemptions or revisions may occur.

7. Potential Opportunities

Domestic Growth in the U.S.: Tariffs could boost U.S. flower farms, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Florists can capitalize by marketing “American-grown” blooms.
Global Innovation: Countries like Colombia and Ecuador may invest in sustainable practices or new markets, fostering resilience.
Consumer Education: Florists can educate customers about the benefits of local and seasonal flowers, building loyalty and supporting sustainability.

8. Florist Outlook

Trump’s tariffs have created a complex landscape for florists worldwide, with increased costs and supply chain challenges affecting the U.S., Colombia, Ecuador, the EU, and beyond. While U.S. florists face immediate price hikes and sourcing issues, exporters in Latin America and suppliers in China face reduced demand and economic pressure. By diversifying supply chains, embracing local sourcing, and advocating for trade relief, florists can navigate these challenges. The tariffs also present opportunities to revitalize domestic flower industries and promote sustainable practices, but proactive adaptation is key to thriving in this shifting trade environment.