BOGOTÁ — Feb 10 (GeokHub) - Millions of Colombian roses have reached the United States in time for Valentine’s Day, but mounting economic pressures are threatening the future of one of the country’s most important export industries.
Colombia, the world’s second-largest exporter of cut flowers, shipped roughly 65,000 tons of fresh blooms between mid-January and early February. Valentine’s Day typically generates about one-fifth of the sector’s annual revenue and is critical for an industry that supplies the vast majority of flowers sold in the U.S. market.
Tariffs Weigh on Key Export Season
This year’s holiday rush has been overshadowed by a 10% U.S. tariff introduced last April as part of broader trade measures. The impact is significant, as the United States accounts for roughly 80% of Colombia’s flower exports.
Growers say the tariff has arrived at a time when profitability is already under strain, compounding pressures during the industry’s most important sales period.
Currency and Wage Pressures Squeeze Margins
Producers are also grappling with a stronger peso, which has appreciated nearly 12% against the dollar over the past year, making exports more expensive. At the same time, a 23% increase in the minimum wage has pushed up labor costs in an industry that relies heavily on manual work.
Industry executives warn that without relief, the combination of tariffs, currency strength, and rising wages could force layoffs and even farm closures within months.
Jobs at Risk in Labor-Intensive Sector
Flower farming is Colombia’s most labor-intensive agricultural industry, providing formal employment to around 240,000 people across more than 10,000 hectares of farmland.
Producers say the stakes are especially high for rural communities that depend on flower cultivation as a primary source of income.
A Challenging Calendar
Adding to this year’s difficulties, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday — typically a weaker sales day. Industry leaders say weekday holidays are more profitable because flowers are often sent to workplaces as surprises.
Despite the challenges, workers on packing floors remain focused on meeting holiday demand, saying the season still carries emotional significance.
For many in the industry, the joy of helping deliver moments of happiness contrasts sharply with the economic uncertainty looming beyond Valentine’s Day.
