The Journey of Valentine's Roses: From Colombia and Ecuador to El Paso

As Valentine's Day approaches, many roses in El Paso will have traveled thousands of miles from Colombia and Ecuador. Approximately 30% of all imported flowers from Colombia are shipped to the U.S. during peak seasons like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. In 2026, over 19,000 tons of flowers were transported, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The Miami International Airport is the main entry point for these imports, processing 88% of the flowers, while the National Retail Federation predicts consumers will spend around $3.1 billion on Valentine's flowers this year. However, potential tariffs on imports could affect prices, starting at 10% for these countries.

Key Details: • Valentine's Day flowers primarily come from Colombia and Ecuador. • Miami International Airport handles 88% of flower imports in the U.S. • Consumers are expected to spend $3.1 billion on flowers this Valentine's Day. • Tariffs starting at 10% could impact costs for imported flowers.