Brexit has not hindered the import of cut flowers into the UK. On the contrary, imports were higher than ever in 2021. Exports from EU countries to the UK increased by a third to €717 million. This almost exclusively concerns exports from the Netherlands. Imports into the UK from countries outside the EU increased even more, almost doubling in value to 217 million pounds (equivalent to about 250 million euros).
The figures from UK Customs for imports from EU countries are not yet reliable. This source gives a value of 617 million pounds for imports from EU countries for 2021, which would be around 10% less than in the two previous years. For the Netherlands, British Customs even indicates a decrease of 15%. This is not in line with the Dutch export figures. Therefore, this analysis is based on export figures from EU countries for British imports from EU countries.
14% Dutch exports to the United Kingdom
The share of the United Kingdom in Dutch exports of cut flowers has been fluctuating around 14% for years. This was no different after the Brexit. In 2021, of the almost €5 billion that the Netherlands exported, a value of over €0.7 billion was exported to the UK.
More imports into the Netherlands too
Dutch imports of cut flowers were also higher last year than before. In total, cut flowers were imported for the total value of 1.18 billion Euro. The largest share came from outside the EU. Kenya, Ecuador and Columbia are the most important origins. From all these three countries the import (in value) increased. However, imports from number four Ethiopia declined (due to the tensions there).
The Netherlands by far the largest in the United Kingdom
The Netherlands is the most important supplier of cut flowers to the United Kingdom by far. In 2021, the Netherlands exported 710 million euros. In 2020, due to COVID-19, this was only 540 million and in 2019 it was only 550 million euros. Compared to the last pre-COVID year, there was an increase of almost 30% more in 2021.
By a distance, Kenya is the second biggest supplier of cut flowers. Imports from that country grew explosively in 2021. In previous years, it was always between 50 and 55 million pounds; in 2021, it was 128 million pounds, which is equivalent to almost 150 million euros.
Columbia is the second supplier from outside the EU. In 2021, imports from that country grew sharply to 55 million pounds from 34 million in 2020. Then there is a gap to the number three. That is Turkey. Last year, 9 million British pounds worth of cut flowers were imported from that country.
Less roses
In terms of value, other cut flowers (including bouquets) are the most important product. These mainly come from the Netherlands. Last year, the Netherlands exported 320 million Euro worth of these flowers. That was considerably more than before. Dutch exports of chrysanthemums to the United Kingdom were also higher, at 126 million Euro. Exports of lilies to the United Kingdom also grew substantially, to 82 million Euro.
On the other hand, the export of roses lagged behind at 120 million Euro. The British market is especially important for Dutch lily exports. Last year, half of the export of this product went to the UK. For chrysanthemums the share of the United Kingdom was almost 30% and for roses less than 10%.
Kenya second
Roses are imported into the UK mainly from outside the EU. Last year, more than half of all cut flowers imported into the UK from outside the EU were roses (£117 million). Carnations are the second largest product by a distance with 34 million pounds. Orchids follow with £23 million, followed by chrysanthemums with £22 million and lilies with £19 million of imports from non-EU countries.
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For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
+31 654 687 684
[email protected]
www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com
