Looking at China’s floricultural trade between January and September 2025, one thing is clear: the market is buzzing. Export growth is accelerating, bulb imports are booming, and new markets are reshaping the landscape. For Dutch floriculture companies, the data offers both reassurance and opportunity.
Beeld: © LVVN China
China’s floricultural imports: the Netherlands holds the top spot
In the first nine months of 2025, China has imported a bit more than 200 million USD (170.4 million euro) in floricultural products, a 12.4% growth from same period last year. Two-thirds of this is flower bulbs, in which the Netherlands absolutely dominates.
Bulbs imported from NL: 110.5 million USD (94.2 million euro). That’s 83.1% of all bulb imports. Even better: NL bulb exports to China grew by 22.6% year-on-year. Dutch bulbs remain essential for China’s horticultural production. New Zealand and France also grew sharply, but from much smaller bases. Demand is strong and growing.
16.4 million USD (14 million euro) worth of Dutch fresh-cut flowers imported by China, which is 43% of total import in the category. Thailand is second (19.7%), followed by Colombia, Ecuador, South Africa, and Kenya. Notably, China’s total fresh-cut flower imports fell by 7%, but imports from NL still grew slightly (+7.1%). The Netherlands holds its position in premium segments.
Data Sources: China Richland Sources, referring to General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products (CFNA).
China's exports: fresh-cut flowers blooming like crazy
China exported 417.5 million USD (355.7 million euro) worth of floricultural products (+12.7% year-on-year). The star performer? Fresh-cut flowers. +47.1% and now good for 40% of all exports.
- Japan remains the no. 1 buyer, taking 25.6% of China’s fresh-cut flower exports.
- Kazakhstan suddenly appears as a floral rocket: exports grew 7-fold to 26.9 million USD (22.9 million euro).
- Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Russia, and Singapore all show active demand.
Pot plants export is still big, but losing steam. It remains China’s biggest export category (44.6% of total exports), but declined by 4.1%. The Netherlands is the largest export destination.
Data Sources: China Richland Sources, referring to General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products (CFNA).
A few fun takeaways
- Kazakhstan is now China’s second-largest market for fresh-cut flowers (!!).
- China exports more fresh flowers to Singapore than Australia.
- The Netherlands sells China more than 100 million USD (85.2 million euro) in bulbs — that’s roughly the value of 100 million tulip bulbs, depending on variety.
China’s floricultural sector continues to globalize, diversify, and upgrade. Dutch companies, with strong brand reputation, technical advantage, and premium genetics, are well positioned to benefit from these shifts.
What does this mean for Dutch floricultural companies?
1. Bulbs remain a golden ticket
China’s bulb demand is booming, and the Netherlands remains irreplaceable.
Varietal innovation, logistics reliability, and can further expand NL’s dominance.
2. Potential for premium flower exports
While China reduces lower-end imports, it still buys premium-quality fresh cuts from the Netherlands.
Branding Dutch flowers as luxury, sustainable, or seasonal specialty could win new ground.
3. Collaboration opportunities in fresh-cut production
China’s own fresh-cut flower export boom signals expansion of greenhouse and modern cultivation areas. This opens doors for:
- Greenhouse tech
- Post-harvest systems
- Breeding partnerships
- Joint ventures in new regions.
4. Watch emerging markets—Kazakhstan, Russia, Southeast Asia
China is increasingly becoming a bridge exporter to nearby markets.
NL suppliers can leverage China-based partners to access these fast-growing destinations.
More information
For more information, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network team in China via PEK-LVVN@minbuza.nl.