Honey market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The ASEAN honey market volume grew from 19 715 tonnes in 2018 to 26 016 tonnes in 2020, a 32% increase over two years. This expansion was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which spurred consumer demand for honey as a natural health product across Indonesia and the Philippines. Concurrently, the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce platforms helped producers reach more consumers, facilitating market access during movement restrictions.

After a contraction to 19 891 tonnes in 2021, the market recovered to 23 144 tonnes in 2022 and further to 26 367 tonnes in 2023. This rebound was supported by substantial investments in production capacity, particularly in Vietnam where beekeeping cooperatives expanded and adopted advanced models meeting VietGAP standards, increasing hive numbers from 2 000 to over 9 000. Government initiatives in Laos and the Philippines also promoted native bee species and quality accreditation, enhancing supply reliability.

Throughout the period, consumer preferences shifted towards pure, traceable honey, with brands in Singapore and other countries emphasizing transparency to combat adulteration. Sustainable beekeeping practices gained traction, supported by policies aiming to improve resilience against climate change and habitat loss, contributing to market stability and growth.

Production honey in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

ASEAN's honey production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, production showed only minor fluctuations, while in 2020, it reached 37 972 tonnes. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 9.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, ASEAN's honey output was valued at 150.9 million US dollars, marking a significant 12.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 27.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.9%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports honey from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, ASEAN's honey exports rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 24 278 tonnes, up 5.5% from 23 020 tonnes in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.2%, with an average annual decline of 7.2%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 at 15.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and China consistently led ASEAN's honey exports by volume. The United States accounted for 54.3% of exports, Asia for 9.7%, and China for 5.0%. Together, these three markets represented 69.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of decline, ASEAN's honey export value increased in 2020. Exports totaled 96.5 million US dollars, up 18.5% from 81.4 million US dollars in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 7.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and China formed the core markets for ASEAN's honey exports by value. The United States accounted for 64.0% of export value, Asia for 6.2%, and China for 3.2%. Combined, these three markets represented 73.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020

Imports honey to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

ASEAN's honey imports surged in 2020, reaching 12 321 tonnes, a dramatic 32.6% increase from 9 296 tonnes in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 26.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, ASEAN's honey imports by volume were diversified across multiple partners. China accounted for 26.6% of imports, Australia for 10.1%, and New Zealand for 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 44.4% of total import flows, while the remaining 55.6% was spread among numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, ASEAN's honey import value rebounded sharply in 2020. Imports totaled 67.6 million US dollars, up 38.6% from 48.8 million US dollars in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 23%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand, Australia, and China accounted for the largest share of ASEAN's honey imports by value. New Zealand represented 29.8% of import value, Australia 13.4%, and China 12.2%. Together, these three countries comprised 55.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020