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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of seeds of herbaceous plants grown for flowers (SITC 29253) totaled $5.1M in April 2026, traded with 41 countries.
Importers of Seeds of Herbaceous Plants Grown for Flowers paid $534K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $5.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Seeds of Herbaceous Plants Grown for Flowers imports of $5.1M in April 2026 ran 16% below the year-to-date monthly average of $6.1M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataFlower seeds — covering annuals and perennials such as petunias, marigolds, impatiens, and similar ornamental species — are a commercially significant input for the horticulture and nursery industry, with seed quality measured by germination rate, variety trueness, and disease freedom. USDA APHIS phytosanitary oversight applies at entry, and the Federal Seed Act requires labeling of germination percentage, purity, and origin for all imported seed sold in commerce. Seed health testing for fungal and bacterial pathogens is increasingly standard practice, as contaminated seed lots can introduce diseases into domestic production systems. Importers should confirm that variety names on shipping documents match registered or accepted cultivar names to avoid labeling disputes.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
While the Federal Seed Act focuses on germination and purity labeling, industry practice and some state regulations call for pathogen testing — particularly for bacterial and fungal diseases that can be seed-borne. Importers sourcing from regions with known disease pressure often request ISTA-accredited seed health certificates or independent laboratory test reports to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into domestic greenhouse or nursery operations.
Many commercial flower seed varieties are protected under the US Plant Variety Protection Act or by utility patents. Importing and reselling protected varieties without authorization from the breeder can constitute infringement. Importers should verify the intellectual property status of any variety they source internationally and obtain appropriate licensing agreements before bringing protected seed into US commerce.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETHERLANDS | $952K | $1.1M | +$127K |
| JAPAN | $727K | $459K | -$268K |
| CHINA | $178K | $717K | +$539K |
| CANADA | $13K | $772K | +$758K |
| GUATEMALA | $710K | $17K | -$692K |
Monthly import values over time
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