• Analysis and Studies
• Orchids: import and export

Orchids, part of the Orchidaceae family, represent one of the largest and most diverse groups of flowering plants, with over 25,000 species found in various climates worldwide, including tropical rainforests and temperate regions. They are celebrated for their visually striking flowers, which come in many shapes, colors, and sizes.

Culturally and economically, orchids hold significant value. Many species, such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya, are popular in horticulture due to their aesthetic appeal. Additionally, some orchids, like Vanilla planifolia, are economically important for producing vanilla. Symbolically, orchids represent beauty, luxury, love, and strength across different cultures: for instance, they symbolize refinement in Chinese culture and virility in ancient Greece.

To successfully cultivate orchids at home, attention must be paid to their specific needs, including bright, indirect light, high humidity, and careful watering to prevent root damage. Despite their beauty, many orchid species are threatened by habitat loss and over-collection, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival.

In 2022, orchids were the world's 3955th most traded product, with a total trade of $199M, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports decreased by -6.04%, from $212M to $199M.

In 2022 the country which exported orchids the most was Thailand, with a trade of $74.9M, ahead of Netherlands ($57.5M), Chinese Taipei ($34.7M), Malaysia ($7.47M), and Vietnam ($7.29M). Whereas the most significant importer was Japan, with a trade of $58.1M, followed by United States ($24.7M), Vietnam ($15M), Italy ($13.6M), and China ($12.4M).

The graphic shows a blend of regional focus and global expansion, with Thailand and the Netherlands standing out for their diversified markets, while countries like Chinese Taipei, remain more regionally dependent.

Thailand exports widely across Asia, the United States, and Europe, mitigating risks associated with dependence on any single region. The Netherlands focuses on European countries such as Germany, France, and Italy, while also exporting to the United States. In contrast, Chinese Taipei’s market relies almost entirely on Japan, making it susceptible to shifts in Japanese demand. Malaysia and Vietnam prioritize regional exports, with Australia, Japan, and Singapore as key partners, using their proximity to major markets to maintain stable trade despite smaller shares.

1. Thailand (37.6%): 20.1% Japan, 20% Vietnam, 18.8% United States, 14.9% China, 9.93% Italy, 2.57% South Korea
2. Netherlands (28.9%): 17.6% Germany, 13.1% United States, 11.7% France, 10.7% Italy, 4.36% United Kingdom, 3.45% Spain, 0.75% China
3. Chinese Taipei (17.4%): 86.8% Japan, 6.44% Australia, 1.71% Netherlands, 1.22% Singapore
4. Malaysia (3.75%): 41.8% Australia, 37.9% Singapore, 16.8% Japan, 1.98% Greece
5. Vietnam (3.66%): 59.6% Japan, 16.4% Australia, 8.28% United States, 4.38% United Arab Emirates, 2.82% Thailand

The graphic reveals that Japan and the United States benefit from a variety of suppliers, while Vietnam and China are more dependent on Thailand, and Italy maintains a more balanced approach between Asia and Europe.

Japan mainly sources from Chinese Taipei and Thailand, indicating strong regional ties, while the United States, relying on Thailand and the Netherlands, shows a mix of Asian and European suppliers. Vietnam’s imports are almost exclusively from Thailand, underscoring a highly concentrated trade relationship. Italy balances its imports between Thailand and the Netherlands, while China also relies heavily on Thailand, with smaller imports from New Zealand and the Netherlands.

1. Japan (29.2%): 51.8% Chinese Taipei, 25.9% Thailand, 7.47% Vietnam, 7.16% Singapore, 3.79% New Zealand, 2.16% Malaysia
2. United States (12.4%): 56.9% Thailand, 30.6% Netherlands, 3.73% Guatemala, 3.19% New Zealand, 2.45% Vietnam
3. Vietnam (7.54%): 99.8% Thailand
4. Italy (6.86%): 54.5% Thailand, 45.2% Netherlands
5. China (6.23%): 89.9% Thailand, 6.43% New Zealand, 3.48% Netherlands

Between 2021 and 2022, the country which saw a fastest growth in exports was Thailand, with an increase of $7.22M, ahead of Guatemala ($560k), Italy ($185k), China ($137k), and Latvia ($121k).

1. Thailand: from $67.7M to $74.9M
2. Guatemala: from $457k to $1.02M
3. Italy: from $406k to $591k
4. China: from $719k to $857k
5. Latvia: from $189k to $310k

Whereas the imports grew the fastest in the United States, with an increase of $5.66M, followed by Vietnam ($5.14M), Singapore ($868k), India ($599k), and South Korea ($592k).

1. United States: from $19M to $24.7M
2. Vietnam: from $9.86M to $15M
3. Singapore: from $2.73M to $3.6M
4. India: from $642k to $1.24M
5. South Korea: from $1.82M to $2.41M

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