Iran’s Honey Exports Fall 37.1% as Global Trade Rises to $2.48 Billion

Iran misses a global market recovery

Iran’s natural-honey exports fell 37.1% in 2025 to about $869,000, leaving the country 66th among global exporters, Eghtesadafarin reported, citing international trade data published by World’s Top Exports. The decline came as worldwide honey exports increased 7.1% from $2.32 billion in 2024 to $2.48 billion in 2025. Iran therefore lost ground during a year in which the broader market expanded.

The annual rebound did not fully reverse the market’s longer-term contraction. Global honey exports were valued at about $2.72 billion in 2021, meaning the 2025 total remained 8.8% below the level recorded five years earlier. The figures point to a partial recovery rather than a return to the previous peak, with export values still exposed to changes in supply, demand, prices, weather and national trading patterns.

Five suppliers control nearly half of export value

The global market remains concentrated. New Zealand, China, India, Argentina and Ukraine generated 45.8% of worldwide natural-honey export value in 2025. New Zealand led with $280.9 million and an 11.3% share, followed by China with $259.7 million and 10.5%. India ranked third at $228.9 million and 9.2%, while Argentina shipped $207.7 million, equal to 8.4%. Ukraine completed the top five with $159.8 million and 6.4%.

Several suppliers expanded rapidly. India’s exports increased 25.4% from 2024. Among the 15 largest exporters, Mexico recorded the strongest growth, rising 38.9% to $65.9 million. Belgium’s shipments climbed 34.9% to $107.5 million, while the Netherlands posted growth of 29.2%. These gains show that positions can change quickly when suppliers broaden market access or strengthen processing, packaging and sales capabilities.

Quality assurance and branding shape access

Europe was the largest regional export hub, shipping $955.8 million of honey and accounting for 38.5% of the global total. Asia followed with 26.7%. Latin America, excluding Mexico but including the Caribbean, held 15.8%, while Oceania accounted for 13.1%, supported largely by New Zealand and Australia. North America represented 5.3%, and Africa just 0.7%.

Eghtesadafarin did not identify a single cause for Iran’s contraction. Its report instead highlighted the commercial requirements that influence performance in the honey market: purity, moisture levels, medicinal residues, botanical origin, sanitary compliance and traceability. It argued that specialist laboratories, tighter quality control and credible traceability systems could help Iranian suppliers meet the expectations of large buyers.

Packaging and market positioning are another constraint. Bulk honey generally captures less added value than a packaged, branded product carrying complete information and internationally recognized standards. New Zealand’s leading position illustrates the value available from combining product differentiation with branding and international marketing. Iran has access to potential buyers in the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia and parts of Europe, while honey is easier to store and transport than many fresh agricultural products. Converting those advantages into sales would require competitive pricing, suitable packaging, knowledge of consumer preferences and dependable distribution networks. With global exports growing in 2025, Iran’s decline points less to an absence of international demand than to difficulties converting domestic beekeeping potential into export value.