Tariffs Impact Mother’s Day Flowers
- American florists are facing a challenging Mother's Day season, compounded by tariffs that have increased the cost of imported flowers.
- Allison Krivachek, owner of Hydrangea Bloom in Tiffin, Iowa, told CNN the increased costs are impacting her business.
- Department of Agriculture reports that approximately 80% of cut flowers sold in the United states are imported, primarily from Colombia and Ecuador, where climates are ideal for year-round...
Tariffs and economic Concerns Wilt Mother’s Day Flower Sales
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American florists are facing a challenging Mother’s Day season, compounded by tariffs that have increased the cost of imported flowers. These tariffs, impacting popular blooms from key suppliers, are leading some consumers to scale back their floral purchases.
Rising Costs Impact Florists and Consumers
Allison Krivachek, owner of Hydrangea Bloom in Tiffin, Iowa, told CNN the increased costs are impacting her business. “We have to charge more, and it is indeed definitely affecting sales, which I fully understand,” Krivachek said. “People simply do not have the available income thay used to have.”
Dependence on imports Faces Tariff Headwinds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that approximately 80% of cut flowers sold in the United states are imported, primarily from Colombia and Ecuador, where climates are ideal for year-round flower cultivation. These imports are now subject to tariffs, raising prices for American consumers.
Mother’s Day Spending Declines
A recent Lendingtree survey indicates a 14% decrease in Mother’s Day spending among American shoppers, attributed to tariff-related price increases and broader economic anxieties.
Import Data Highlights Key Suppliers
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States imported approximately $2.26 billion in fresh cut flowers in 2024. Colombia accounted for 60% of these imports, with Ecuador providing 25%.
Industry Expert Weighs In
debra Prinzing, founder of the Slow Flowers Society, notes the U.S.floral industry’s historical reliance on imports.
“I don’t like it, but that’s the reality,”
Debra Prinzing, founder of the Slow Flowers Society
Price Increases Exceed Tariff Expectations
krivachek described this year’s price increases as “ridiculously different.” She noted that the price of Lisianthus has doubled, and roses have increased by 10% to 50% compared to last year. She believes these increases exceed what a 10% tariff would typically cause.
“It’s really strange that there has been such a big jump as tariffs are not so much. And I don’t know if they are raising their prices due to supply and demand,” Krivachek said.
Adjusting to market Pressures
The price of Hydrangea Bloom’s most popular Mother’s Day arrangement has increased from $100-$125 this year. Despite transparency with customers, demand has decreased.
“We are quite down,” Krivachek said. “We have dropped around 30% year after year on this mother’s day compared to other mother’s days.”
Krivachek also noted a trend of customers buying individual flowers to create their own arrangements.
Industry Response and Adaptation
The Society of American Florists told CNN that florists and wholesalers are adapting to the new financial pressures, similar to how they navigated the pandemic and other supply chain disruptions.
“While tariffs and cost increases are not welcome, the floral industry is markedly resilient,” the society said in a statement.
The Society of American Florists added that florists are ordering products further in advance, strengthening relationships with growers and wholesalers, and planning ahead to manage costs.
Krivachek has also adjusted by sourcing flowers from local producers.
“I’m still going to import flowers,” she said. “I am in Iowa, so there is not much variety, especially with weddings. There are certain flowers that you can only get from ecuador and Colombia.”
Mother’s Day Flowers: Why Are They more Expensive This Year?
Why are mother’s Day flower prices increasing?
Increased prices are primarily due to tariffs on imported flowers and broader economic anxieties. The article mentions the cost of imported flowers has increased because of tariffs, impacting popular blooms and leading to higher prices for both florists and consumers.
What impact are tariffs having on the cost of flowers?
Tariffs are increasing the cost of imported flowers. The source states that approximately 80% of cut flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, mainly from Colombia and Ecuador. These imports are now subject to tariffs, which raises prices for American consumers.
How are these rising costs affecting florists?
Florists are facing meaningful challenges. The owner of Hydrangea Bloom, Allison Krivachek, stated that they are forced to charge more, affecting sales. The Society of American Florists also commented on the issue,noting that florists are adapting to the new financial burdens.
How much have flower prices increased?
Flower prices have increased, and in some cases, dramatically. According to Allison Krivachek, the price of Lisianthus has doubled, and roses have increased by 10% to 50