Every year, millions of flowers are exported to different parts of the world from Antalya, the capital of cut flower industry in Turkey. The flower exports had stopped for a while due to the Covid19 outbreak but had restarted again in June. Growers had trouble keeping up with the demand due to the supply shortages experienced in other production countries due to the Covid19 outbreak. The growers quickly recovered from their losses during the first months of the pandemic and approached their annual targets with a boost in exports after June.
However, there is tense anticipation among the growers for Christmas when cut flower exports peak and millions of stems are exported to Europe every year. It is expected that the cut flower exports will decrease, especially as the United Kingdom, which constitutes the majority of its export share, will impose restrictions on coronavirus in the country. It was stated that European countries closing their borders and imposing restrictions would cost the sector 30 million USD and 150 million stems of flowers to be left could go to waste.
Central Anatolian Ornamental Plants and Cut Flowers Exporters Association President Ismail Yilmaz: “First, France has closed its borders. Currently, they do not allow any products other than food to enter France. Additionally, the United Kingdom also started a 1-month quarantine process as of November 5. The United Kingdom was our most important market. For the moment, our sales continue through the Netherlands there is also a decrease in social activities in the Netherlands too which resulted in a decline in demand. Switzerland and Austria are also expected to make such decisions. We are worried about the shipments in December."
Source: Hurriyet