The value of the flower trade transported by air has surged from $852 million in 2003 to $3.7 billion in 2024 — a four-fold increase. Alongside the growth of this market, there has been a noticeable shift in its composition, especially the participants.
Imports were dominated by the US, the UK and Germany in 2003, with respective shares of 66.3 percent, 12.1 percent and 4.4 percent. By 2024, the US imported 53.6 percent of the total, followed by the Netherlands, a main distribution center for flower re-exports, at 31.2 percent, and the UK now far behind at 5.5 percent.
Colombia was the leading exporter in 2003 with a 50.2 percent market share, followed by Ecuador at 16.2 percent and the Netherlands at 8.9 percent. Colombia has since pulled back to 42.3 percent. The Netherlands has been knocked off the list in favor of expanded market shares by Ecuador and Kenya, as well as newcomer Ethiopia.
Two key factors contributed to this shift. First, trade agreements reduced tariffs and barriers, increasing exports and opening markets for developing nations. Second, developments in air cargo, including improved refrigeration and logistics, ensured that flowers remained fresh and enabled seamless global distribution of large volumes on time.
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