Colombian Orchid Imports Updates

[alee023]

(or colombianorchidimports for search visibility) For those waiting for 2025 ordering to be open again but aren't signed up for their mailing list, here's what they sent out. I do hope his first issue is resolved because I really want a Paphinia seegeri...


What's going on?

Hello everyone -

I know some of you are wondering why there has not been a spring order. Under normal circumstances, there would already be an order in process with a May delivery expectations. But we are not in normal circumstances right now. Two problems have arisen, one I might be able to solve (and I am hoping to solve), and one that I cannot solve.

The first problem: Your plants have been coming from two different suppliers in Colombia, and we have all be working cohesively for 15+ years so that you, the customer, have a seamless experience. The seams have come undone in a way that not only will double my efforts as an "air traffic controller", but will also double the brokering overhead charges that you, the customer, would have to absorb as part of plant price. I am not willing to accept either of those situations and while I have <one> idea that <might> stitch the seams back together, I'm waiting for the right opportunity to propose this solution to my suppliers.

The second problem [Redacted by Admin] Yesterday's tariff announcements include these orchids, and any order that we endeavor to bring in right now will have a 10% increase in prices that you will have to pay on top of problem #1 above. There is no way to fly under the radar on this because all the plants go through USDA customs inspections and that is the point at which the tariffs will be collected, and the Colombian government is quite strict about invoicing on exports and they will not accept any kind of $0 invoicing since it looks like (and is) fraud.

So, I am in a holding pattern. I have not officially given up, but I do not have any real idea of when I will be doing another import. If I can at least solve problem #1, I will likely decide to do another import and send out an announcement.

If you have any questions or ideas let me know.

gary@colombianorchidimports.com

Gary

[WaterWitchin]

[Admin Note] Section of post was redacted as it violates Orchid Board's Rules and Guidelines specifically:

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[Dalachin]

Sad news for us orchid enthusiasts. Thank you for your continued efforts despite the odds.