The worldwide cut flower market generates about 1.5 million tonnes of exports every year worth about $8 billion. In intercontinental markets most of that moves by air, but there has been a mode shift observed in some markets. Four countries account for almost 80% of worldwide fresh cut flower exports – the Netherlands, Colombia, Kenya and Ecuador. The biggest worldwide import markets include the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and Japan. Cross border demand for flowers has followed a moderate upward growth trend over the past ten years, increasing by about 3% per year. US import markets have performed better than Europe and from an exporter perspective Colombia and Ecuador have done well.