‘People give Trump the benefit of the doubt’
How is the trade to the USA doing?
“The last two and a half years have been very good. We’re seeing positive numbers all the time; the strong dollar and the improving economy are obviously playing an important role in this. We can now sell flowers which used to be too expensive for the American market.”
Such as?
“Lisianthus, high-end lilies, ranunculus, hydrangeas and cymbidium. In short, the more luxurious and lusher products and varieties. Cheaper oil prices, leading to lower shipping costs, have also helped us. And the web shop has been very important; photographs give a better idea of course than a price list sent by email or fax.
How do your customers feel about Donald Trump?
“It varies, but most of them are pleased that the whole show is over now and that things can get back to normal. Any impact on the trade has been minimal so far. There was a brief drop in the value of the dollar, but that’s back at its original level now. In general, people give Trump the benefit of the doubt.”
What’s your own opinion?
“Trump has said lots of things, but let’s see what’s going to happen when he moves into the White House. Let’s see if he’s going to maintain his independent position. It would be a real shame if there were any adverse effects on the trade agreements between the USA and Europe. The relations are good at the moment and we’d like to keep it that way.”
COMPANY Holex
POSITION sales manager
MAIN MARKETS USA, Canada, Middle East and Far East
PURCHASES FROM auction clock, directly from growers, own import
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 100
