SAF advocates for tariff relief on imported flowers

The Society of American Florists (SAF) is advocating for tariff relief on imported flowers, bulbs and floral cuttings by providing data to the U.S. Trade Representative and Department of Commerce that demonstrates their importance in meeting domestic consumer demand.

The effort follows a Sept. 5 executive order by President Donald Trump that revised the list of products eligible for tariff exemptions due to limited U.S. production. The updated list includes several key floral categories such as roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, dormant bulbs and plant cuttings, potentially opening the door for duty-free treatment during trade negotiations.

SAF senior lobbyist Joe Bischoff called the update an encouraging development for importers and U.S. growers. “This bodes well for importers and U.S. growers alike,” Bischoff said, adding that foreign officials “should leverage the information at the negotiation table.”

Roses from Ecuador previously entered the U.S. duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences, which expired in 2020 and resulted in a 6.8% tariff. SAF continues to advocate for renewal of the program while also exploring alternative paths for tariff relief through the executive order framework.

Officials from Colombia and other major exporting countries may also use the new guidance to pursue exemptions for other varieties with limited U.S. production.

SAF encourages floral professionals to contact lawmakers in support of tariff relief using its customizable letter template and offers additional resources to help businesses navigate changing trade conditions.

Get more information on the SAF website.