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Miami Airport: The Heart of Valentine's Day Flower Imports
7 Feb
Summary
- Miami airport processes nearly 990 million flower stems before Valentine's Day.
- About 90% of U.S. Valentine's Day flowers come through Miami.
- Tariffs and increased wages have raised flower prices for consumers.
Miami International Airport is the critical transit point for millions of Valentine's Day flowers destined for North America. In the weeks leading up to February 14th, agricultural specialists at MIA process approximately 990 million stems. Approximately 90% of the fresh cut flowers sold in the United States for Valentine's Day arrive via Miami, with a smaller portion entering through Los Angeles.
Flowers such as roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums arrive on hundreds of flights, predominantly from Colombia and Ecuador. Avianca Cargo, a major importer, is operating significantly more flights than usual to meet demand, with over half of the shipments being red roses. This surge in floral imports is vital for the market, though consumers will likely face increased prices.
The higher costs are attributed to tariffs imposed on imports from Colombia and Ecuador, as well as a new minimum wage in Colombia. Despite these price increases, flowers remain a significant import for Miami's airport. CBP agriculture specialists diligently inspect incoming shipments to prevent the entry of harmful pests and diseases, identifying numerous pests like moths daily.
