• Analysis and Studies
• Tulip and Orchid Bulbs: import and export

It's worth exploring the European Union's role in the global trade of flower bulbs, particularly varieties like orchid, hyacinth, narcissi, and tulip bulbs. In the realm of this botanical commerce, the EU is predominantly an exporter rather than an importer. To put things into perspective, in the year 2022, the EU exported a remarkable €100.6 million worth of these bulbs, encompassing those in growth or already in bloom, whereas imports amounted to a relatively modest €30.9 million.

When talking generally about the trade in bulbs and roots, it is worth noting that they are the 747th most traded product worldwide, accounting for a total trade value of $2.1 billion. Interestingly, between the years 2020 and 2021, the export figures for Bulbs and Roots experienced notable growth, witnessing a significant increase of 15.1%. This surge propelled the exports in this category from $1.83 billion in 2020 to a more substantial $2.1 billion in 2021. The only extra European country in 2021 which has a pivotal role in the trade of this botanical good is New Zealand which accounted for $44.5 million in bulbs’  trade.

It's quite fascinating to discover that a single EU member state, the Netherlands, played an overwhelmingly significant role in these exports. The Dutch were responsible for a staggering 81% of the total export value, which translates to an impressive €82 million. In contrast, other EU nations had considerably smaller slices of the export pie, with Lithuania contributing 7% (equivalent to €6.7 million), Poland at 5% (€4.8 million), Denmark at 2% (€2.1 million), and Latvia at 2% (€2.0 million). It's noteworthy that the lion's share of these orchid, hyacinth, narcissi, and tulip bulbs found their way to various European destinations.

Among the recipients of these floral exports, Switzerland emerged as the EU's paramount trading partner for these botanical treasures. Switzerland imported a substantial €31.3 million worth of these items, constituting a significant 31% of the total EU exports in this category. Following Switzerland in the rankings were the United Kingdom, which imported €21.4 million (21%), Norway with €11.5 million (11%), Russia at €9.4 million (9%), and Ukraine at €5.5 million (5%).

In addition to the aforementioned bulbs, the EU also engaged in the export of €20.9 million worth of other types of botanical wonders, including bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns, and rhizomes in various stages of growth or flowering. Once again, the Netherlands emerged as the preeminent exporter in this category, contributing an impressive €10.5 million, which represents a substantial 50% of the total exports in this diverse category. These figures underscore the Netherlands' pivotal role in the EU's horticultural trade and its position as a key player in the global floral market.