Nearly half of Dutch flower bulbs exported to US

Last year, the Netherlands exported 4 billion flower bulbs worldwide, an increase by 5 percent relative to 2006 and approximately the same amount as in 2004. The bulk (60 percent) was exported to European countries. The United States (US) is the largest importer outside Europe.

In 2007, nearly one quarter (over 900 million) of all flower bulbs exported by the Netherlands were destined for the US. This is an increase by 2 percent compared to the preceding year. Dutch bulbs are also in great demand in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Japan. Over 60 percent of all flower bulbs are exported to these five countries.

Exports of flower bulbs to largest buyer countries

Tulip bulbs are most popular. More than half of all bulbs exported by the Netherlands are tulips. Gladioli account for more than 25 percent, daffodils and hyacinths for 14 and 4 percent respectively.