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Flowers by the Numbers: Year-To-Date Stats (Jan 1 - Mar 7)
Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026 .
Simon Coulson
Mar 131 min read


New Tariff Investigations Initiated by USTR
In a separate development, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated investigations involving 60 countries under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. These investigations will examine whether countries are adequately enforcing bans on forced labor in products exported to the United States and the potential impact on U.S. workers and businesses. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to investigate and respond to unfai
Simon Coulson
Mar 131 min read


Tariff Refund Process Update: CBP Provides Status to the Court of International Trade
Recent developments continue to unfold regarding the refund of tariffs that were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) informed the Court of International Trade (CIT) that it is working to implement a new process within the ACE system to handle potential tariff refunds and estimated that a procedure could be ready within approximately 45 days. Yesterday, the CIT requested a further update on
Simon Coulson
Mar 132 min read


Flowers by the Numbers: Year-To-Date Stats (Jan 1 - Feb 28)
Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026 .
Simon Coulson
Mar 91 min read


Tariff Update: Section 122 Developments and IEEPA Refund Status
Recent updates from federal agencies and trade officials have brought new attention to two key areas affecting importers: potential changes to Section 122 tariffs and the status of IEEPA tariff refunds . While some developments remain pending, importers should stay informed and ensure they are prepared for possible administrative actions in the coming weeks. Section 122 Tariffs: Proposed Increase Not Yet Published Earlier this week, Secretary Bessent indicated that Section 1
Simon Coulson
Mar 92 min read


Policy Update: Tariff Increase and IEEPA Refund Developments
Potential Increase in Global Tariffs According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the Administration is preparing to implement an increase in global tariffs to 15% , with the change expected to take effect sometime this week. At this time, the exact implementation date has not yet been officially published. Once the policy is formally documented and released, additional details — including the confirmed start date — will be communicated. IEEPA Refund Updates Following the S
Simon Coulson
Mar 41 min read


Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs: Webinar Recoding is Available
The recording of AFIA’s recent webinar on the Supreme Court Tariffs Decision, is now available. We invite industry leaders and stakeholders to view the full webinar here.
Simon Coulson
Feb 261 min read


Flowers by the Numbers: Year-To-Date Stats (Jan 1 - Feb 21)
Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026 .
Simon Coulson
Feb 261 min read


Trade Tariff Update: What We Know as of This Morning
Here is a summary of the latest developments regarding U.S. tariffs and what they mean for importers and the trade community. Supreme Court Ruling on IEEPA Tariffs On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unauthorized and therefore must stop being collected. At this time: Collection of IEEPA tariffs will cease. There is no clarity yet on whether previously collected IEEPA tariffs wi
Simon Coulson
Feb 231 min read


Supreme Court Rules on Presidential Tariffs: What It Means Moving Forward
This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a significant ruling regarding tariffs previously imposed by President Trump. According to the Court’s decision, the majority of the tariffs implemented under executive authority have been invalidated. As a result, the collection of these tariffs is expected to stop. Key Points from the Ruling The Supreme Court determined that under the U.S. Constitution, the authority to impose tariffs rests with Congress — not with the President a
Simon Coulson
Feb 201 min read


U.S. and Ecuador Conclude Negotiations on Reciprocal Trade Agreement
The United States and the Republic of Ecuador have substantially concluded negotiations for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), with both countries expecting to sign the agreement in the coming weeks. The announcement was made on February 13, 2026, marking an important development for bilateral trade relations. In recent weeks, AFIA leadership has been in communication with Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart’s office regarding the importance of advancing a trade agreement with
Simon Coulson
Feb 161 min read


Valentine’s Season Media Coverage
Local and national media outlets covered the Valentine’s shipping season and the inspection process at Miami International Airport, highlighting both the scale of flower imports and the work required to ensure safe and timely delivery. Coverage included reporting from Local 10 News on increased flower imports through Miami despite tariffs and higher costs: https://www.local10.com/news/florida/2026/02/06/valentine-flower-imports-increase-at-miami-airport-despite-tariffs-and-hi
Simon Coulson
Feb 101 min read


Imported Flowers by the Numbers: Year-To-Date Stats (Jan 1 - Feb 7)
Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026 .
Simon Coulson
Feb 101 min read


Valentine’s Day Shipping Season Update
AFIA Executive Vice President Christine Boldt participated in a Valentine’s shipping media day last Friday at Miami International Airport in partnership with the airport, Avianca Cargo, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The event brought together multiple media outlets to highlight the Valentine’s shipping season and the coordination required across the floral import supply chain. Miami International Airport (MIA) reported that import volumes were 13% higher than
Simon Coulson
Feb 101 min read


Valentine’s Day Shipping Update
As we enter the peak shipping period for Valentine’s Day, AFIA would like to remind members that additional inspectors will be stationed in Miami throughout the four-week Valentine’s shipping season to support the anticipated increase in cargo volumes. This added staffing is intended to help facilitate inspections and maintain efficiency during one of the busiest shipping windows of the year. If you experience any issues or have questions during this period, please contact Ch
Simon Coulson
Jan 261 min read


Colombia Market Update: AFIA Webinar Recording Now Available
The recording of AFIA’s recent webinar featuring Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores , is now available. We invite industry leaders and stakeholders to view the full webinar here.
Simon Coulson
Jan 201 min read


U.S. Announces Frameworks for Reciprocal Trade Agreements with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala
The United States has taken a major step toward strengthening trade relationships across the Western Hemisphere. This week, President Trump announced Joint Statements with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala , outlining new Frameworks for Agreements on Reciprocal Trade. The announcement marks a significant shift toward expanded market access, reduced trade barriers, and enhanced cooperation on economic and national security issues. Following the announcement, Ambas
Simon Coulson
Nov 14, 20253 min read


Imported Flowers by the Numbers: Year-To-Date Stats (Dec 29-Nov 1)
Here is our updated 2025 import volume report as of November 1, 2025, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2024, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2025 .
Simon Coulson
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Supreme Court Hears Tariff Case
On November 5, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in the case challenging the Administration’s tariffs that have been in place since April. The Court’s review marks a critical step in determining the legality and future of these tariffs. However, it may take some time before a final ruling is issued. AFIA will continue to monitor the case closely and will provide updates as soon as a decision is announced.
Simon Coulson
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Government Shutdown Update: Senate Reaches Compromise
After days of negotiation, members of the U.S. Senate appear to have reached a compromise to bring the government shutdown to an end. The proposed agreement will move forward for a vote in the Senate, followed by a vote in the House of Representatives. Once both chambers approve the measure, it will go to the President for signature, officially reopening government operations. A key element of the agreement ensures that all federal government employees will receive back pay f
Simon Coulson
Nov 10, 20251 min read
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