"Most countries described demand as either stagnant or softening"

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), in collaboration with Union Fleurs–International Flower Trade Association, has released Volume 73 of International Statistics Flowers and Plants 2025. Although published in 2025, this edition presents the latest complete data series for the 2024 calendar year, including production figures, trade flows, consumption trends and the findings of the joint AIPH–Union Fleurs global economic survey.

The Yearbook consolidates verified information from more than 40 countries, compiled by the Centre for Business Management in Horticulture and Applied Research at the University of Hohenheim. This includes updated area and production figures, international trade values, revised EU Comext data, per-capita consumption indicators, topical trade maps and detailed country-by-country datasets.

A global view of 2024: Recalibration, resilience and regional contrasts
This year's AIPH–Union Fleurs economic development survey, covering 12 countries across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, reveals a sector balancing resilience with recalibration. Most reporting countries described demand in 2024 as either stagnant or softening compared with 2023.

Structural pressures were widely reported: Germany highlighted rising climate-adaptation planting needs but continued uncertainty around consumer behaviour; Switzerland noted that extreme weather and staffing shortages were forcing reductions in production capacity; and North American nurseries pointed to labour as the single biggest operational challenge, with cost-of-goods remaining 8–10% above 2019 levels despite easing commodity prices.

Yet the data also highlight areas of stability and emerging opportunity across regions. Several European producers reported consistent demand for resilient plant varieties linked to climate-adaptation initiatives, while retailers in several markets noted ongoing interest in locally produced ornamentals. These developments sit alongside the broader challenges reported in the survey, reflecting the varied conditions shaping ornamental horticulture in 2024.

Commenting, Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, said: "The 2024 findings reveal a sector adjusting with remarkable resilience. Labour shortages, cost pressures and weather impacts were felt across many regions, yet the data also show areas of real momentum. By bringing these insights together, the International Statistics Yearbook provides the trusted evidence base our global industry needs to make informed decisions, anticipate change and invest with confidence."

In addition, Sylvie Mamias, Secretary General of Union Fleurs, said: "The Yearbook remains a one-of-a-kind reference for anyone involved in the international flower and plant trade. Its strength lies not only in the breadth of its global data, but in its ability to contextualise the economic realities shaping our sector. Union Fleurs is proud to continue partnering with AIPH to deliver this essential resource to the global market."

You can access the full dataset at the link here.