On the eve of Valentine’s Day, Miami stands out as the main entry point for fresh flowers for the US market. Approximately 90% of the flowers sold in the United States during this season pass through Miami International Airport. This logistic centre becomes a key pillar for the supply of flower shops and supermarkets. This, with products coming mainly from Colombia and Ecuador.
Economic Importance of the Flower Trade in Miami
The flower trade continues to be one of Miami‘s largest imports. According to Jimmy Morales, Miami-Dade’s chief operating officer, the airport received more than three million tons of goods in 2024, of which nearly 400,000 tons were flowers, worth more than $1.6 billion. This volume underscores the economic impact the sector has on the city, especially during the Valentine’s Day season.
Fluctuating Flower Imports: A Million Dollar Business
In the first months of the year, activity in Miami intensifies. In January and February alone, the airport handles approximately 1,500 tons of flowers daily, which translates into 90,000 tons during this period, worth close to 450 million dollars. This boom is due to the high demand in the United States and Canada for Valentine’s Day, consolidating Miami as the most important logistics centre for this trade.
Tight Control and International Tensions
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for inspecting all flower shipments to prevent the entry of pests and diseases that could harm US agriculture. Despite political tensions and possible tariffs that threatened the flower trade, especially with Colombia, Miami remains the main gateway for the Latin American flower industry.
This steady flow of flowers not only reflects the economic importance of the sector, but also the complex logistics and international cooperation that make it possible for thousands of tons of flowers to arrive in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
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