The Dutch export value of flowers and plants amounted to EUR 4.1 billion in the first half of 2026, down 2.4% from the same period last year. The three main markets, Germany, the United Kingdom and France, are all-in the red. “A limited contraction currently seems the most realistic scenario,” concludes VGB Director Matthijs Mesken.
“Naturally, we are never satisfied with a decline, but we also have to be realistic,” says Mesken in FloraFlits, a podcast produced by Floridata and VGB. “Businesses are currently facing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and cautious consumers.”
Economic uncertainty and consumer caution are particularly evident in the Netherlands’ main sales markets. The top three export destinations, Germany (-3.2%), the United Kingdom (-1.7%) and France (-1%), are all down from 2025. In Germany, especially flowers performed less well, while plant exports held up better. The economic situation in the neighbouring country is poor, and consumer confidence is low. Exports to importing wholesalers supplying florists there are particularly disappointing.
