Honey market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the honey market volume in Belarus increased slightly to 2 915 t, driven by growing consumer interest in natural products which boosted demand for quality honey. However, the absence of large beekeeping holdings limited export opportunities, restraining more substantial market expansion.

The market contracted sharply to 2 490 t in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and altered consumer behavior. The pandemic's effects continued into 2021, when market volume further declined to 2 404 t.

Recovery began in 2022, with the market reaching 2 587 t by 2023. This rebound was supported by producers' focus on improving quality and promoting natural honey domestically, alongside the mandatory pollen analysis that protected the market from adulteration and strengthened consumer trust.

Production honey in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

In 2020, Belarus produced 2,122 tons of honey, marking a significant 20.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, honey production fell by 23.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 8.6%. The only year that saw growth during this timeframe was 2019, with a modest increase of 0.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Honey production in Belarus has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the value of honey output reached $10,025,000, reflecting a moderate 7.7% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belarus in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports honey from Belarus

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Belarus have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 97.3 tons, showing a substantial 40.3% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 279.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 56.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States remained the dominant export market for Belarusian honey in volume terms, accounting for 86.1% of total exports. Other markets collectively formed a long tail with smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of honey from Belarus have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to $460,000, representing a sharp 62.9% increase over 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 269.8%, with a CAGR of 54.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States continued to be the primary market for Belarusian honey exports in value terms, holding an 82.4% share of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed across numerous other destinations.

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

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

Imports honey to Belarus

Imports in kind, t

Imported honey volumes in Belarus have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 465.3 tons, indicating a sharp 47.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 62.4%, with a CAGR of 17.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 273.4 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5% that year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia and Ukraine were the main sources for honey imports into Belarus in volume terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Honey imports into Belarus have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value reached $1,009,000, equivalent to a dramatic 43.3% improvement over 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 41.5%, with a CAGR of 12.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at $596,000, which also experienced the largest decline of 16.4% that year.

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

In 2017-2020, Russia and Ukraine clearly led as the top sources for honey imports into Belarus in value terms, with their combined share reaching 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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