In Latvia, the local flower market is experiencing significant challenges due to the influx of imported flowers. The country exported cut chrysanthemums and flower buds valued at 9.5 million euros to Russia last year, with exports increasing to over 13 million euros in 2023. Belarus also emerged as a notable market for Latvian flowers, with transactions exceeding 7,000 euros for chrysanthemums. This influx of imported flowers raises questions about the competitiveness of local growers, particularly in the tulip segment, where they struggle to sell their produce at reasonable prices.

Experts indicate that the majority of said exports may not genuinely represent local growers; it appears to be largely re-export activity without significant involvement from local producers. The head of the Latvian Plant Growers' Association, Andrejs Vītoliņš, highlighted that local growers are relatively weak in exporting and are not familiar with the major players in the re-export business. His remarks suggest that there is a disconnect within Latvia’s flower industry regarding who is benefiting from these export figures.

The reliance on imported flowers is causing local producers to reconsider their strategies, especially as they grapple with pricing pressures that undermine their ability to compete in the market. As the situation unfolds, it will be critical for local growers to find ways to differentiate their products and enhance their competitiveness against a backdrop of increasing imports, which complicate their market position.