The Dutch flower and plant export sector recorded a slight contraction of 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026. The export value of flowers declined, while plants posted growth, according to figures from Floridata. International ornamentals trade is under pressure because of geopolitical developments.
The Dutch export value of cut flowers fell by 3.5% to EUR 1.3 billion, whereas that of plants grew by 5% to EUR 748 million. Total export value for the first quarter reached EUR 2.61 billion. Notably, cut-flower volumes rose by 1%, while turnover declined, pointing to pressure on purchase prices. In January, flowers generated little revenue, with prices still weak in February. In March, flower prices recovered and were strong.
Plant export volumes increased by 5 percent, while prices remained stable. “Consumers appear to be becoming more cautious, partly due to rising inflation. Flowers are more likely to be seen as a luxury product, whereas plants are performing more steadily,” explains Matthijs Mesken, Managing Director of VGB.
