Honey market in Burundi

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Burundi's honey market volume expanded significantly from 362 t to 1 037 t, while production rose from 319 t to 1 000 t. This growth was initiated by the launch of the National Development Plan (PND) 2018-2027, which prioritized agricultural modernization and explicitly included support for the beekeeping sector to restore structural economic balances.

Production stabilized at 1 000 t from 2021, and market volume continued a steady rise to 1 037 t by 2023, with minimal import and export activity underscoring the domestic nature of the market. The consistent expansion indicates the sustained influence of the PND's policy framework on the sector.

By 2024, industry development continued as companies like ABESA diversified into honey-based products and sought agricultural integration to secure raw materials, while the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock received government funding to intensify animal production, providing further institutional support for the apiculture value chain.

Production honey in Burundi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Burundi has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 689.2 tonnes of honey, marking a 39.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 76.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 319.0 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 18.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase, with production jumping by 54.4%.

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

Exports honey from Burundi

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018, while the maximum occurred in 2019, with a 34-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Burundi exported 130 kg of honey, which represents a sharp decline of 96.8% from the previous year. The peak export volume was 4 060 kg in 2019, which also saw the largest increase of 3 283.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Burundi in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, nearly all honey exports from Burundi in kind were directed to Tanzania, which accounted for 92.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The market showed volatile behavior over these years. The minimum export value was recorded in 2019 at 171 US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020, with a 10.1-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, honey exports from Burundi amounted to 1 739 US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 913.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 15.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, Japan was the dominant destination for honey exports in value terms, holding an 81.4% share of total flows, while the remaining portion was distributed across other markets.

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

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

Imports honey to Burundi

Imports in kind, kg

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020, while the maximum was in 2018, with a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, honey imports to Burundi totaled 9 852 kg, showing a significant reduction of 60.2% compared to 2019. The peak import volume was 42 637 kg in 2018, which also saw the largest increase of 85.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Burundi in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania was the leading source for honey imports in kind, capturing 74.4% of total import flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Cross-border honey shipments to Burundi declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Burundi imported approximately 8 243 US dollars worth of honey, indicating a contraction of 55.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 56.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.3%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 25 930 US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 36.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, honey imports to Burundi in value terms were heavily concentrated on Tanzania, which accounted for 85.6% of total flows; other countries together formed the residual share.

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

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