When you imagine flowers, politics is probably the furthest thing from your mind. But the threat of changes in U.S. trade policy, including tariffs introduced during Trump’s presidency, are sparking conversations within the cut flower industry. With many blooms in the North American market being imported, these tariffs could have ripple effects for florists, flower farmers, and customers alike.

How Tariffs Affect the Flower Industry

The U.S. exported nearly 2.3 million kilograms of fresh-cut flowers to Canada in 2022 and was the third-largest supplier of flowers to Canada after Colombia and Ecuador.

The majority of cut flowers sold in Canada are imported from three countries: Columbia, Ecuador and … the USA. So US tariffs on imported flowers could mean higher costs for wholesalers and, ultimately, higher prices for customers. Regardless of how we feel about Trump’s tariff threats (and I could go on I promise you) the result is that they can make things more difficult for florists like me, who rely on a combination of imported and locally grown flowers to meet clients’ diverse needs.

The Ripple Effect of Tariffs on Floral Businesses

For small floral businesses like mine, the cost increases caused by tariffs would be very challenging to absorb. Imported flowers often fill the gaps when local blooms are out of season or unavailable, so rising prices would mean tough decisions on inventory and ….dun dun dun…. pricing.

The uncertainty around pricing also makes it harder to plan ahead—something I deeply value when working on weddings and other large-scale events for my clients and couples.

A Local Focus: How The Paisley Rose Plans to Adapt

While the idea of rising costs is nerve-wracking, it’s also an opportunity me to triple down on focusing more on local, seasonal flowers. I’ve always been passionate about incorporating home and locally grown blooms into my designs, and I’m prepared to lean into that even further if tariffs make imported flowers too expensive.

This shift could mean:

More seasonal designs: With a focus on what’s blooming nearby, our designs will celebrate the unique beauty of each season.
Supporting local growers: Partnering with local flower farms ensures fresher blooms and strengthens our community.
Growing more myself: Getting my hands even dirtier this season succession planting those wedding-worthy blooms we’re known for.
Creative solutions: We’ll get creative with dried florals, greenery, and other sustainable options to offer beautiful designs without breaking the bank.

Why Your Support Matters

Navigating these changes isn’t something I can do alone. Your support—whether it’s booking your wedding florals with me, attending my workshops, subscribing to my email list or simply following along on social media—makes all the difference. By choosing local flowers and supporting small businesses like mine, you’re helping to create a more sustainable, resilient floral industry.

Thank you for trusting me with your floral needs and for being part of The Paisley Rose family. Whatever challenges come our way, I’ll continue to create designs that bring joy, beauty, and connection into your lives.

Have thoughts or questions about this topic? We’d love to hear from you—reach out anytime or comment below!