For the first five months of 2009, total exports of flowers and seedlings totaled US$43,362,500 representing a decline of 6.34% decline over the same period of 2008. Total exports of cut flowers, cuttings, flower bulbs, flower seedlings, flower seeds and live flowering plants all declined in this period. Grass and sod was the only category that grew during their period.  

With respect to cut flowers, oncidium orchid, cut flowers was the major export item with exports of 511.58 metric tons which was 2.75% lower than the same period in 2008. Exports of the second ranking item, chrysanthemum, cut flowers amounted to 345.57 metric tons which represented a decrease of 35.91% over the same period in the previous year. Though the overall market for cut flowers declined in the first four months of 2009, export amounts of Phalaenopsis orchids saw impressive growth, rising by 95.63%.

For flower seedling and live flowering plant markets, the major flower export item was Phalaenopsis orchids. Flower seedling markets took in 803.41 metric tons of exports from Taiwan which represented an increase of 27.06％. Exports of live flowering plants reached 1579.62 metric tons, growing 9.21％ over the same period in 2008. While exports of all other types of flowers declined, Phalaenopsis orchid exports managed to post positive growth, making this orchid type the star performer in the industry.

In the second half of 2009, the orchid industry, especially Phalaenopsis orchid growers, will experience slower business, especially during the period from June to mid-September. As the Northern Hemisphere experiences hot summer weather, buying interest may weaken and prices could fall. During this time, Phalaenopsis orchid growers who wish to come out on top will need to endure through this slow period while strive to maintain growth. Growers who are able to surmount this challenge will become the dominant players during the industry's next stage of growth.