In 2022, the EU exported just over €100 million worth of orchid, hyacinth, narcissi, and tulip bulbs to countries across the world, according to statistics published by Eurostat, the EU statistics agency, on 6 April.
Of this total, 81% of exports came from the Netherlands, which is almost synonymous with tulips and exports many of the flowers and their bulbs.
The plants became exceptionally fashionable in Europe and in 1634 their price hit all-time levels until the economic bubble burst in 1637. The trade of these plants was partially responsible for making the Dutch Republic the richest country in the world per capita at the time.
Traders even created forward markets for the coveted goods, allowing buyers to make contracts for the future delivery of the coveted bulbs. This system of trading is now even used for currency, commodities, and energy on contemporary European markets.
Tulips growing in Sint-Niklaas (Belgium), April 2021. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
In the modern era, tulips and other bulbs have regained much of their popularity and the Netherlands has retained its place as a major exporter of flowers to the rest of the world. The Dutch exported €81.9 million-worth of tulips to countries outside the EU. The next biggest exporter is Lithuania at just €6.7 million.
Plants and bulbs are mostly exported to other European countries. Switzerland is the EU’s main partner for these products, accounting for 31% of EU exports (or €31.3 million). The UK also imported €21.4 million, Norway €11.5 million, Russia €9.4 million, and Ukraine €5.5 million.
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The EU also exports €20.9 million-worth of other types of bulbs, including tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns, and rhizomes, in growth or flower. The Netherlands is again a lead exporter in this category, accounting for 50% of EU exports.
