Florists fear prices will remain high amidst pause to Latin American tariffs

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- With peak flower sales season approaching, many local vendors are uncertain about the ongoing tariff war.

Some vendors say their profit margins are slim. Julio Sanchez, owner of Julian Flowers, says most of his products come from countries like Ecuador. He adds he must buy at the market price even though these prices have remained high over the last few months. 

“The wholesale prices have increased by fifty percent. Its too much,” he says. He says the rising prices have hurt his business, leading to difficult conversations with his customers as he’s also faced the need to increase prices. 

“This year, compared to others, honestly, sales are really low and prices remain high,” Ana Maria Reyna, owner of Anita Flowers, says.

Ana María Reyna, who has maintained a stable business and her street vendor location for ten years, says she sees fewer customers in this time compared to other years.

“It is a constant struggle, and we worry because we also don’t see a great profit from sales.”

Even with the current pause on tariffs on Latin American countries, most of these vendors fear prices will remain the same, leading to fewer customers during this Mother's Day and graduation season. 

“But the prices here remain high. Even though they say the tariffs will stop, where will this end up?”

These local vendors are hopeful the pause to the tariffs will bring better profits this Mother’s Day season. Still, the uncertainty remains.