Honey market in Bhutan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Bhutan's honey market volume experienced notable fluctuations, declining to 85.8 t in 2020 before recovering to 109.5 t in 2023. Domestic production fell from 65.9 t to 41.0 t over the period, while imports rose from 64.7 t to 69.0 t, offsetting the drop in local output and supporting overall market growth.

In 2020, the Department of Agriculture implemented key measures to improve beekeeping, including supplying bee colonies, modern hives, and training for beekeepers, aiming to boost production in the longer term. The honey trade was further shaped by new classification and tariff rules introduced in 2022, which formalized market access and regulations. By 2023, over 7,500 households were engaged in beekeeping, producing around 42 t of honey, with a government target to raise output to over 80 t by 2029.

Support for the beekeeping sector continued into 2024‑2025 through the promotion of advanced technologies like flow hives and an emphasis on internationally recognized trade statistics, strengthening Bhutan's honey integration into global markets.

Production honey in Bhutan

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

Top producers of honey, 2018-2021

World map of production of honey, 2018-2021

Honey production in Bhutan has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 43 190 kg of honey, marking a 2.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 34.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 13.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 65 900 kg. That year also saw a modest increase of 0.1%. However, the most significant drop occurred in 2020, with production plummeting by 33.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports honey from Bhutan

Exports in kind, kg

Bhutan's honey exports have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 246 kg, showing a slight decline of 2.0% from 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, exports dropped by 62.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Japan, Vietnam, and Asia, not elsewhere specified—collectively accounted for 75.9% of Bhutan's total honey exports by volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for Bhutan's honey exports showed considerable volatility during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 3.3-fold difference between the peak in 2021 and the low in 2020. In 2021, honey shipments from Bhutan were valued at 9.2 K $ US, representing a substantial increase of 233.7% compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2.8 K $ US. The sharpest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 41.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam emerged as the primary destinations for Bhutan's honey exports by value. Thailand accounted for 37.8% of exports, Japan for 27.4%, and Vietnam for 10.7%. Together, these three markets absorbed 75.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bhutan in value, 2018-2021

Imports honey to Bhutan

Imports in kind, kg

After two years of decline, honey imports into Bhutan rebounded in 2021. Imports totaled 54 365 kg, reflecting a sharp increase of 29.7% year-over-year. However, over the broader period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 41 901 kg. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 34.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, India was virtually the sole source of honey imports into Bhutan, accounting for 100.0% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Honey imports into Bhutan have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 157.9 K $ US, up by 13.4% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 4.5%, which equates to an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 138.2 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, India was the dominant and nearly exclusive market for honey imports into Bhutan by value, representing 100.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bhutan in value, 2018-2021