Legislation Introduced to Preserve Valentine’s Day Roses from Colombia Amid Tariff Worries

Colombia’s high altitude and temperate climate make it one of the premier flower-growing regions globally. Located just an hour north of Bogotá, a group of women meticulously measure, snip, and remove thorns from nearly 18,000 rose stems daily, preparing them for Valentine’s Day arrangements that will soon travel to the US.

Under the cover of a white tent, the women adeptly glide their chainmail-like gloves over the thorns, ensuring the roses are safe for transport. They then carefully pack the vibrant valentine red, cotton candy pink, and citron yellow varieties into heart-printed cellophane.

Within two weeks, these flowers will arrive in Miami, from where they’ll be distributed to Walmart, Publix, Walgreens, and various gas stations throughout the US, according to Carmen Bravo, owner of the Belen de los Tejares flower farm in Chía. This annual ritual — a cycle of preparation and transport — has facilitated Colombia to contribute nearly 40% of the flower and nursery stock value in the US.

What is usually the most lucrative season for growers like Bravo was almost interrupted last weekend when Presidents Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro threatened 25% tariffs on each other’s imports amid disagreements over deportations.

“Tariffs dictate pricing,” expressed Bravo, 56, who felt “relief” upon hearing that the tariff conflict between the US and Colombia was resolved on Monday.

If left unresolved, the consequences could have been severe: Nearly 80% of Colombian flower exports are destined for the US, contributing $1.7 billion to the nation’s total of $45 billion in exports last year, falling just behind oil, gold, and coffee.

“Growers have been preparing for this season since last year, managing investments, paying wages, coordinating logistics,” stated Augusto Solano, head of the Colombian Flower Growers’ Association. “Implementing tariffs of 25% or 50% effective this week would have had disastrous results.”

In Colombia, the world’s second-largest exporter of flowers, preparations for the Valentine’s Day season commence in October, during which stem prices, quantities, and varieties are negotiated with trading companies.

Approximately 26,000 acres in Colombia are dedicated to flower cultivation. While the Valentine’s season accounts for 18% of sales among Colombian flower growers, it can constitute up to half of the total annual revenue for smaller businesses like Bravo’s.

Bravo feels a strong obligation to her team of 18, most of whom are mothers supporting their families. While a bouquet of roses may retail for $12 in a US supermarket, Bravo mentions that workers receive about $6, with trading companies taking a “significant portion” of the difference.

“It’s a challenging job, but it allows them to provide for their children’s education and a stable home,” said Bravo. “We’re walking a tightrope now, one misstep away from severe repercussions.”

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