The Ethiopian flower industry is bracing for headwinds as the United States enforces a new tariff regime. Under the policy, U.S. customs officials began collecting tariffs on imports from numerous countries, with a baseline rate of 10 % and steeper duties targeting goods from 57 major trade partners.
Among the sectors impacted is floriculture. The U.S. flower market is largely dependent on imports to meet its massive daily demand, estimated at 10 million stems. Domestic production covers only 20% of this demand, leaving an 80% gap that has long been filled by imports. This shortfall presents a lucrative opportunity for international flower producers, including those in Africa.
Ethiopia has worked to position itself as a reliable supplier to the U.S. market, steadily increasing its export volume in recent years. According to the latest data from the Ethiopian Customs Commission and related sources, the United States now ranks sixth among Ethiopia’s top ten flower export destinations. Between the 2020 and 2024 Ethiopian fiscal years, flower exports to the U.S. grew at an average rate of 25% annually. In the most recent fiscal year, Ethiopia exported approximately 7,977 tons of flowers to the U.S., generating around 45 million dollars in revenue.
This export volume is significant, especially when compared to shipments to countries like Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada and nearby African markets. Popular products bound for the U.S. include roses, summer flowers and both rooted and unrooted cuttings. All exports to the American market come from seven farms, each of which is foreign owned.
However, the new tariffs cast a shadow over this growth, raising concerns about future competitiveness and profitability for Ethiopian flower exporters. As the U.S. looks inward to stimulate domestic production, global suppliers like Ethiopia may find themselves squeezed by rising costs and shifting trade dynamics.