PLACE YOUR ORDER BY 1 PM FOR SAME DAY DELIVERY IN HONG KONG

Guide to the Biggest Flower Importers in the World

The global flower trade is a multi-billion dollar industry driven by consumer demand for fresh-cut flowers, primarily for events, retail, and personal gifting. The largest importers are typically countries with high per capita incomes, limited local production (due to climate), and strong logistics infrastructure.

Top Flower Importing Countries

1. United States

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $1.8–2.2 billion per year
  • Main Suppliers: Colombia (around 75%), Ecuador, Mexico, Netherlands
  • Popular Flowers: Roses, chrysanthemums, tulips, carnations, lilies
  • Key Entry Ports: Miami International Airport is a major hub for floral imports
  • Trends:
    • Strong demand for year-round floral availability
    • Growth in online flower delivery and supermarket retail
    • Increased interest in eco-labeling and sustainable sourcing

2. Germany

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $1.2–1.5 billion per year
  • Main Suppliers: Netherlands (primary), Kenya, Ethiopia, Italy
  • Popular Flowers: Tulips, roses, chrysanthemums, orchids
  • Market Characteristics:
    • Large flower culture, especially during holidays and events
    • High demand for quality and sustainability certifications
  • Trends:
    • Increasing imports from African countries
    • Rising consumer preference for seasonal and native flowers

3. United Kingdom

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $900 million–$1.1 billion per year
  • Main Suppliers: Netherlands, Kenya, Colombia, Ethiopia
  • Popular Flowers: Roses, tulips, carnations, alstroemeria
  • Market Traits:
    • Retail-driven market with major supermarket chains involved
    • Strong online florist sector
  • Post-Brexit Shifts:
    • Increased import complexity and customs delays
    • Growing interest in non-EU sourcing

4. Netherlands

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $800 million–$1 billion per year (primarily for re-export)
  • Main Suppliers: Kenya, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Colombia
  • Role in Industry:
    • Largest global flower trading hub
    • Home to Royal FloraHolland, the world’s largest flower auction
  • Exports: Major supplier to Germany, UK, France, Russia, and other European countries
  • Trends:
    • Focus on logistics and cold chain innovation
    • Automation and environmental sustainability emphasized

5. France

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $600–700 million per year
  • Main Suppliers: Netherlands, Kenya, Colombia, Italy
  • Popular Flowers: Roses, orchids, tulips, seasonal varieties
  • Consumer Traits:
    • Preference for locally grown flowers during certain seasons
    • Awareness of environmental impact influencing purchasing behavior

6. Japan

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $300–400 million per year
  • Main Suppliers: Colombia, China, Thailand, Netherlands
  • Market Insights:
    • Strong cultural appreciation for flowers in gifting and design
    • High demand for exotic and premium-quality varieties
  • Trends:
    • Increasing reliance on imports due to declining domestic growers
    • Growth in preserved and long-lasting flower products

7. Russia

  • Value of Imports: Approximately $400–600 million per year (subject to political and economic conditions)
  • Main Suppliers: Ecuador, Kenya, Netherlands, Colombia
  • Popular Flowers: Roses dominate the market
  • Import Channels:
    • Major distribution through Moscow and St. Petersburg
    • Seasonal demand peaks during national holidays

Emerging Importers

China

  • Growing demand from expanding middle class
  • Main suppliers include Thailand, Ecuador, and the Netherlands
  • Also emerging as a flower exporter

United Arab Emirates

  • Dubai is becoming a regional floral trade hub
  • Imports driven by events, luxury markets, and hospitality

Australia

  • Imports from Kenya, Colombia, and the Netherlands
  • Strict biosecurity laws and strong local production competition

Industry Trends Influencing Import Markets

  1. Sustainability and Carbon Footprint
    • Importers are seeking low-emission shipping methods and certified flowers
  2. Digitalization
    • E-commerce, direct-to-consumer brands, and digital auctions are transforming the trade
  3. Climate Change
    • Weather disruptions are impacting local and international production cycles
  4. Supply Chain Integration
    • Growers, logistics firms, and retailers are aligning operations for better efficiency and freshness

Data Sources and Insights

  • UN Comtrade and ITC Trade Map for trade statistics
  • Royal FloraHolland industry reports
  • USDA and U.S. Customs for American import data
  • CBI Netherlands for European market analysis