Japan's Rose Prices Surge Amid Import Disruptions

March marks the graduation season in Japan, leading to a high demand for bouquets. According to Jin10, the wholesale price of roses has been rising due to import disruptions. At the OTA Floriculture Auction, the average price of roses in early March was 131 yen per stem, a 17% increase compared to the previous year and 5% above the five-year average. A representative from the auction noted a decrease in supply during this peak season. In recent years, approximately 20% of roses sold domestically in Japan have been imported, with an annual import volume of around 1,500 metric tons. Kenya supplies about half of these imports, while Ethiopia accounts for roughly 10%. These roses are typically airlifted via Dubai, but the ongoing Middle East crisis has led to numerous flight cancellations. YMS, a flower importer, stated that shipments are now being rerouted through Istanbul. However, due to limited shipping capacity, only about one-third of the usual cargo volume is being transported, and the longer route results in additional freight costs. A representative from the OTA Floriculture Auction mentioned that the sense of supply shortage is intensifying as the demand peak approaches.