Mother’s Day is busy season for American florists. But this year, there’s an added source of stress: President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which are raising the prices of some flowers and causing some wary shoppers to pull back on spending. “We have to charge more, and it’s definitely affecting sales — which I totally get,” Allison Krivachek of Hydrangea Bloom in Tiffin, Iowa, told CNN. “People just don’t have the disposable income they used to.” Eighty percent of all cut flowers sold in the United States are imported from Colombia, Canada or Ecuador, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The majority of those flowers come from Colombia and Ecuador, where year-round growing climates support the floral industry. Those countries now face tariffs making it more expensive for their products to enter the United States. And Mother’s Day spending has dropped 14% among US shoppers as many are scaling back due to tariffs and economic concerns, according to a LendingTree survey. America imported approximately $2.26 billion worth of fresh-cut flowers in 2024, with Colombia accounting for 60% of the market and Ecuador following with 25%, according to US Census Bureau data. Debra Prinzing, founder of the Slow Flowers Society and a leading advocate for American-grown flowers, said the US floral industry was built to rely on imports. “Don’t like it, but that’s just the reality,” Prinzing told CNN. “Ridiculously different,” is how Krivachek describes this year’s price hike. Flowers such as lisianthus have doubled in price, Krivachek said, and roses are up anywhere from 10% to 50% compared to last year. She believes the price hikes are higher than what would be reflected in a 10% tariff. “It’s just really weird that there’s been such a jump because the tariffs aren’t that much. And I don’t know if they’re raising their prices because of supply and demand,” she said. As a result, she’s raised the price of her most popular Mother’s Day arrangement from $100 to $125 this year. And despite efforts to be transparent with customers, demand has taken a hit. “We’re down quite a bit,” Krivachek said. “We’re down about 30% year-over-year on this Mother’s Day compared to other Mother’s Days.” Many customers are now buying flowers to craft their own arrangements, according to Krivachek. The Society of American Florists told CNN florists and wholesalers across the country are adapting to the new financial pressures — much like they did during the pandemic and other supply chain disruptions. “While tariffs and cost increases are not welcome developments, the floral industry is remarkably resilient,” the society told CNN in a statement. Florists are ordering products earlier, strengthening relationships with growers and wholesalers and planning further in advance to manage costs, the society said. While Krivachek has felt the pressure, she’s found ways to adjust, such as by sourcing from local flower farmers. “I’m still going to have to import flowers,” she said. “I’m in Iowa, so there’s not a lot of variety, especially with weddings. There’s certain flowers that only you can get from Ecuador and Colombia.”
Tariffs could take the bloom off Mother’s Day flowers
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Tariffs Impact Prices and Sales for Mother's Day Flowers"
CNN
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Mother’s Day, a peak season for florists in the United States, is facing challenges this year due to the implementation of tariffs by the Trump administration. These tariffs have led to increased prices for imported flowers, which account for approximately 80% of the cut flowers sold in the U.S. Most of these flowers are sourced from Colombia and Ecuador, countries that have been significantly impacted by the tariffs. As a result, many consumers are reconsidering their spending habits for the holiday, with a reported 14% decrease in Mother’s Day spending. Allison Krivachek, a florist from Tiffin, Iowa, highlighted how the rising costs have forced her to increase prices for arrangements, with some flowers, like lisianthus, seeing price hikes of up to 100%. This dramatic increase in costs has led to a notable decrease in sales, with Krivachek reporting a 30% drop in business compared to previous years.
The floral industry, which has historically relied on imported flowers, is now adjusting to these new economic pressures. Debra Prinzing of the Slow Flowers Society noted that the reliance on imports is a reality for many florists. In response to the tariffs and rising costs, florists are adapting by ordering supplies earlier, building stronger relationships with local growers, and planning ahead to mitigate financial impacts. While some florists, like Krivachek, are attempting to source more locally grown flowers, the limited variety available in regions like Iowa still necessitates some reliance on imports. The Society of American Florists expressed optimism about the resilience of the floral industry, emphasizing that while the current situation is challenging, professionals are finding ways to navigate these changes, similar to adaptations made during the pandemic and other supply chain disruptions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on the floral industry, particularly as Mother's Day approaches. With the cost of imported flowers rising, consumers are feeling the pinch and reducing their spending. This situation not only affects florists’ sales but also reflects broader economic concerns about disposable income among American shoppers.
Economic Impact on Florists
The article cites specific examples of price increases for flowers, indicating that florists like Allison Krivachek of Hydrangea Bloom are compelled to raise prices significantly. The mention of specific percentages, such as the doubling of prices for certain flowers, emphasizes the tangible effects of tariffs on consumers. This reflects a significant economic strain and suggests that the tariffs are leading to a decrease in consumer confidence and spending during a key retail season.
Consumer Behavior and Spending
The report notes a 14% drop in Mother's Day spending among U.S. shoppers, which may indicate a shift in consumer priorities or financial constraints. The reference to a survey by LendingTree lends credibility to the claim, suggesting that there is data to support the assertion of reduced consumer spending. This could signal a broader trend affecting not just the floral industry but various sectors reliant on discretionary spending.
Dependency on Imports
Debra Prinzing's comments on the reliance of the U.S. floral industry on imports from countries like Colombia and Ecuador highlight a systemic issue within the industry. This dependency could complicate the situation further, as any disruptions in imports due to tariffs may lead to long-term changes in the market dynamics.
Perception of the Tariffs
The article subtly critiques the rationale behind the tariffs, as seen in Krivachek's confusion over the significant price hikes not aligning with the stated tariff rates. This could indicate that businesses are using tariffs as a pretext to raise prices beyond what might be justified, leading to a perception that consumers are being unfairly burdened.
Societal Reactions and Manipulation
The narrative constructed in the article may evoke sympathy for florists and raise awareness about the economic challenges they face. By presenting the emotional connection of Mother's Day with the financial implications of tariffs, the article seems designed to engage readers on a personal level, potentially influencing public opinion about trade policies.
Potential Economic Consequences
This news could have wider implications for the economy by fostering a sentiment of economic uncertainty. If consumers continue to pull back on spending, it could lead to slower growth in various sectors, prompting policymakers to reconsider tariff strategies.
Target Audience
The content appears to target consumers who are directly affected by the rising costs of goods, specifically flowers, and those interested in the economic policies of the Trump administration. It likely resonates with individuals concerned about the financial health of small businesses and the implications of trade policies on everyday life.
Market Impact
The article may influence stock prices related to floral businesses and importers, particularly if the trend of decreasing sales continues. Investors might be wary of companies heavily reliant on imported goods, leading to potential shifts in market valuations.
Relevance to Global Dynamics
While the article primarily focuses on a domestic issue, it connects to wider discussions about trade policies that have global ramifications. The ongoing debates about tariffs and trade relationships tie into larger economic narratives beyond just the floral industry.
Artificial Intelligence in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in drafting this article, particularly in structuring the argument and presenting data. Models like GPT could have contributed to the clarity of presentation and the organization of statistics, potentially steering the narrative toward emphasizing the economic impact of tariffs.
In conclusion, the article serves to inform readers about the economic pressures facing the floral industry due to tariffs, while subtly advocating for a reconsideration of such policies. Its emphasis on consumer sentiment and economic data suggests a purposeful design aimed at raising awareness and prompting discussion about trade issues.