Tariffs to drive up flower prices ahead of Mother's Day

Flower shops are preparing for one of their busiest weekends of the year, but this Mother’s Day, bouquets may come with a higher price tag.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend over $3 billion on flowers for Mother’s Day. However, florists and growers say tariffs on imported flowers are making it more expensive for small businesses to stock their coolers.

About 80% of the flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, and tariff-related costs are putting strain on local shops and farms. One grower estimates the added expense could total $40,000 to $50,000 per year. That amount could fund an entire employee’s salary at a small operation.

Despite rising costs, industry experts say customers can still find beautiful arrangements. The key is to set a budget and trust your florist to make the most of it.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, flower shops encourage early orders and flexibility to ensure families can celebrate moms with something meaningful, without breaking the bank.