Colombia’s Flower Growers Fight New US Tariff as Duty Hits 12.5%
Trade · Colombia
A higher duty on flowers
A US tariff on a specific set of Colombian products rose from 10% to 12.5% on July 24, 2026. Cut flowers sit among the affected goods, together with some apparel and textiles, candies and chocolates, certain processed foods, cosmetics and select manufactured items.
The increase compounds a 10% duty first imposed in 2025, the first US tariff on Colombian flowers in more than a decade. That earlier move reversed the near zero-tariff access Colombian growers had long enjoyed under the US-Colombia trade agreement.
Why the stakes are high
The United States accounted for about 80% of Colombia’s flower exports by value in 2025, making the market difficult to replace. Colombia is one of the world’s largest suppliers of cut flowers, shipping hundreds of millions of stems for peak dates such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
The industry sustains roughly 130,000 jobs, the majority held by women, many in rural areas around Bogotá and Medellín. Growers warn that higher duties could erode margins and pressure employment across the supply chain.
A broader trade dispute
The flower tariff is part of a wider strain in US-Colombia trade. The industry group ANDI estimates that about US$5 billion of Colombian exports to the United States is at risk across all affected sectors, roughly 30% of the country’s shipments to that market.
Exporters have urged both governments to resolve the dispute and restore predictable access. For now, growers face higher landed costs in their most important market at a time of thin margins and intense global competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed for Colombian flowers?
A US tariff on affected Colombian goods, including cut flowers, rose from 10% to 12.5% on July 24, 2026, on top of a 10% duty first imposed in 2025.
How dependent is Colombia on the US flower market?
The United States took about 80% of Colombia’s flower exports by value in 2025, so the market is hard to replace.
How many jobs depend on the sector?
Colombia’s floriculture industry supports roughly 130,000 jobs, most of them held by women.
Sources
Connected Coverage
- Medellín Flower Festival 2026: What Foreigners Must Know
- Viva La Salsa Medellin 2026 Opens City’s Iconic Flower Fest
- Mexico City’s Historic Flower Fair Returns to San Ángel, July 11-19