Floristry in Flux: Navigating Tariffs, Price Hikes and the Unexpected

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It’s been quite a wild time recently in the floral industry, hasn’t it?

The year started with a new president, and new tariffs, followed by more (and increased) tariffs, followed by repealed tariffs, followed by rapid policy changes, followed by supplier price hikes - the list goes on and on. It’s unsurprising that all this upheaval has left many florists in the USA feeling a bit unsettled.

Although I’m based in the United Kingdom, we have a lot of American students and followers (especially within our Flower Class Community), and as such I’ve been following the tariff situation very closely - through the news, industry news, discussions within our Flower Class Community, and in private conversations with colleagues. What’s happening across the pond in the USA might feel like a storm confined to American shores, but I can’t help but feel an unfortunate and unsettling sense of déjà vu. After all, us Brits have all been here before, or thereabouts, haven’t we? Whether it was the uncertain waters of Brexit or the unpredictable chaos of the pandemic, our floral world has weathered its fair share of storms in a relatively short space of time. And while the specifics may differ - be it tariffs on imported blooms or shipping delays - there are certainly lessons to be learned from those trying times that might just be of use now.

As I watch the American tariff situation unfold, I’m reminded of, and encouraged by, the deep resilience and adaptability of floral designers. From the outside, it may seem like a rollercoaster of uncertainty, but deep down, we all know that our tribe have an extraordinary way of finding our feet again and again, no matter how rocky the terrain.

With no indication of peace currently on the horizon, I want to offer some thoughts, and take a closer look at some of the ways you might be able to navigate this current challenge, drawing from the strategies we’ve implemented in the face of previous challenging circumstances.

Lean into Local Relationships

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through the past years of navigating uncertainty, it’s that relationships with local suppliers can be a mooring you are most thankful for in these times. When market conditions shift - whether that’s due to tariffs, Brexit, or other political disruptions - relying on your local suppliers, and the relationships you have with them, can help cushion the blow. Now, I know, it’s tempting to turn to the global flower market when you’re looking for that special bloom, but when the world outside feels unstable, the steadiness of a trusted local supplier can bring you a sense of calm and stability. It’s a valuable resource, right there on your doorstep. 

I’ll never forget when Brexit reared its head, and we were all left wondering how the heck to get flowers through the borders without the endless paperwork proposed by those who have no experience of our industry. My local growers, on the other hand, had a stability to them, which I was and am very grateful for. While they too faced rising costs - and let’s face it, no one was immune to the chaos - they offered me a sense of continuity that imported flowers simply couldn’t. I see this very same movement happening in the States right now too.

Yes, imported flowers may face higher costs due to tariffs, but by tapping into your local network, you can counteract that a little, and balance out some of that unpredictability. It’s good to sink roots when world feels like it’s spinning a little faster than it should.

Communicating with Compassion and Confidence

When we talk to our clients regarding the new reality of pricing, we have to approach it from a place of transparency, but also a place of compassion, and on a practical level, we're always, always working within the legal boundaries of a) your territory and b) your contract with said client. The facts of that matter are such that the territory in which you operate, and the contract you have in place with your clients will provide you with options as to what your next steps could be, and how you can navigate the situation.

Whether you're working in weddings, events, corporate, or gifting, the key is to explain why these changes are happening, and what the consequences of these changes will be. Don’t shy away from the subject - address it head-on. Remember : you have not caused this situation. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Let your clients know you're not profiteerin  from this difficult situation, but instead are strategically covering the rising costs that are beyond your control. I’ve found that when you’re honest, direct and compassionate, most clients tend to be understanding.

It’s a bit like a well-cooked meal, isn’t it? The ingredients might seem simple at first - honesty, empathy, clarity - but when combined, they create something more than the sum of its parts - something effective and meaningful. The way you convey and communicate changes successfully is with balance. Make sure to outline exactly what’s changing, but also reassure them that you’re still working hard to deliver the beautiful work they expect, despite the shifting economic landscape.

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

This one may sound obvious, but it’s something that I can’t stress enough - stay informed. Keep an eye on the news, pay attention to your suppliers (sign up to their mailing lists!) and most importantly, know what’s going on with your own country’s policies. This knowledge will be crucial in helping you make the right decisions when sourcing flowers and managing the impact on your business. 

When the Brexit implementation was in full swing, things felt like they were shifting by the minute, and it felt nearly impossible to keep up. Prices were up, down, and everywhere in between, and if you weren’t tuned into the pulse, it was easy to feel left behind. The same applies today with the ongoing tariff adjustments. By staying on top of what’s happening both locally and globally, you’ll be able to make more informed choices about where to source your flowers and how to manage your costs moving forward.

And don’t forget to check in with your wholesalers as well. Many wholesalers, especially those based in the USA, are providing regular updates on how tariffs will impact flower prices, and being aware of these shifts will help you stay ahead of the game.

Think Long-Term, Not Just Short-Term

In times of disruption, it’s all too easy to focus on the immediate. Tariffs increase, prices go up, and all of a sudden, the road ahead seems a little less clear. But this is where you have to think strategically and lead with, my least favourite quality, patience. The short-term landscape may be uncertain, but things won’t stay this way forever.

Here in the UK, we've all been through the unpredictability of Brexit, and all over again with the pandemic, and we’ve learnt that these cycles come and go. Yes, it’s painful in the moment, but keep in mind that every bump in the road is part of the journey. The industry is resilient, and though the landscape will change, it will always find its rhythm again. 

During the Brexit, there were moments when I thought, “Will this ever settle down?” And yet, it did. And this tariff issue? That too will settle. There will be a way through.

Flexibility Is Key

I’m a firm believer in the power of flexibility. When things aren’t going as planned, this is the moment to make sure your business is built to bend, not break. Offering flexible payment options to your clients - whether through deposit systems or payment plans - could ease the burden for them while giving you a little breathing space as well.

But beyond the financial aspect, flexibility in terms of your design offerings can also help. If your usual floral varieties are becoming difficult to source due to the tariff increases, get creative. Work with what’s available, embrace the unexpected, and allow your designs to evolve. This adaptability will show your clients that you can not only weather the storm, but walk through it with grace.

Final Thoughts

As you face the reality of price hikes due to tariffs, remember that you’re not alone. Florists in the UK, during Brexit, and florists all around the world during the pandemic, have experienced the strain of unexpected changes. But time and again, we’ve shown that we can adapt, we can persevere, and we can make beauty, no matter what challenges the world throws at us.

And so, I leave you with this: The floral industry is nothing if not resilient. Change may certainly be unwelcome, but as long as we stay connected to our roots, lean into our communities, communicate openly with our clients, and remain adaptable, I've a feeling we’ll navigate this latest chapter successfully. 

Keep going. You’ve got this.