Miami International Airport becomes the heart of the U.S. flower trade every year before Valentine’s Day. About 90% of fresh-cut flowers imported for the holiday pass through its terminals. This year, 940 million flower stems have been processed, filling cargo planes and warehouses with vibrant blooms.
Most flowers come from Colombia and Ecuador, with Avianca Cargo playing a major role. The airline, based in Medellín, transported about 18,000 tons of flowers on 300 cargo flights leading up to February 14. These shipments ensure florists and retailers across the country have fresh roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums ready for customers.
Flowers are one of Miami International Airport’s biggest imports. In 2023, the airport handled over 3 million tons of cargo, with fresh flowers making up nearly 400,000 tons, valued at $1.6 billion. This trade makes Miami a critical hub in the global floriculture industry.
Security
Ensuring these flowers are pest-free is a top priority. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) specialists inspect each shipment to prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the country. Invasive species can threaten American agriculture and cause major economic damage. This year alone, CBP specialists have already flagged more than 2,000 flower shipments for issues.
According to CBP agriculture specialist Maria Gonzalez, “We inspect every shipment carefully. The goal is to make sure that no pests or diseases get through. With so many flowers coming in, it’s a challenging but crucial job.”
Tarrifs
A recent trade dispute between the U.S. and Colombia nearly disrupted these imports. The U.S. planned to impose a 25% tariff on Colombian flowers due to disagreements over deportation flights. However, a resolution was reached, and Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights, avoiding the tariff just in time for Valentine’s Day.
For flower importers, avoiding delays is critical. Carlos Martinez, a logistics manager at a Miami-based flower distributor, explains: “Valentine’s Day is the biggest event of the year for the flower industry. If we get delayed even by a day, it can mean huge losses. We work around the clock to make sure the flowers arrive on time.”
From farms in South America to customers across the U.S., the journey of each bloom is a testament to the scale of the floral industry during this romantic season. Laura Reyes, a florist in New York City, shares: “People don’t always realize the effort it takes to get these flowers here. When a customer picks up a bouquet, they’re holding something that traveled thousands of miles to brighten someone’s day.”
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