HS Code:
Carnations fall under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 060312, which pertains to fresh cut carnations and buds, primarily used for bouquets or ornamental purposes. This category is a significant segment of the global floriculture trade, with carnations being one of the most popular cut flowers due to their long vase life, vibrant colors, and versatility in floral arrangements. The trade of carnations is influenced by factors such as climate suitability for cultivation, labor costs, and international demand for floral products, particularly during festive seasons and events like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
Total Trade Volume
USD 450 million
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain Asian markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Colombia Trade Agreement)
Rising demand for sustainably grown flowers
Increased certification requirements (e.g., Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance) for exporters, pushing countries like Colombia and Kenya to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2021-2022
Shift towards e-commerce in flower trade
Growth in direct-to-consumer platforms has boosted demand for carnations, benefiting exporters with strong logistics networks like the Netherlands.
2020-2022
Climate change affecting production cycles
Unpredictable weather patterns in key growing regions like Ecuador have led to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
2019-2022
A renewed focus on reducing tariffs for floriculture products under the EU-Colombia Trade Agreement has facilitated increased exports of carnations to European markets.
March 2023
Expected to boost Colombia's market share in the EU by 5-10% over the next two years.
Kenya has received international funding to improve cold storage and transportation facilities, ensuring better quality of carnations during export.
July 2022
Enhanced competitiveness of Kenyan carnations in markets like the Middle East and Europe.
The United States introduced stricter phytosanitary checks on imported cut flowers to prevent pest infiltration, affecting exporters from Latin America.
January 2023
Potential delays and increased compliance costs for exporters like Colombia and Ecuador.