Honey market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The Canadian honey market volume expanded from 29 460 t in 2018 to over 35 000 t by 2020. This growth was primarily fueled by increased imports following the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with Vietnam, which liberalized trade flows. Concurrently, domestic production faced headwinds, including pandemic-related restrictions in 2020 that hampered queen bee imports and colony replenishment, contributing to a decline in output.

Market volume surged to a peak of 40 645 t in 2021, supported by continued high import levels. However, a severe drop occurred in 2022, with volume falling to 33 165 t. This was directly caused by a record decline in domestic production due to poor queen quality, Varroa mite infestations, and unfavorable weather across the Prairies, which overwhelmed the effect of rising Asian honey imports.

A strong production rebound in 2023 drove the market volume to a new high of 43 425 t, as the industry recovered from the previous year's losses. New export opportunities emerged under the CPTPP with Malaysia, while updated traceability and labeling requirements for imported honey blends aimed to shape market structure.

Production honey in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked 12th globally in honey production volume.

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Canada declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Canada produced 37 723 tonnes of honey, marking a measured contraction of 4.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Canada's honey output was valued at 143.4 million US dollars, representing a 6.7% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 5.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 134.4 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.0% drop.

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

Exports honey from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Canada declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 9 426 tonnes, showing a significant decrease of 22.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 51.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -21.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States held the dominant position in Canada's honey exports by volume, accounting for 73.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Canada's cross-border honey shipments declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Canada exported 35.844 million US dollars worth of honey, equivalent to a notable fall of 13.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 40.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 16.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 61.198 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 32.5% drop. The largest increase was in 2018, with a 1.0% rise.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States and Japan were the main destinations for Canada's honey exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 94.5% of total flows. The residual share was split among other markets.

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

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

Imports honey to Canada

Imports in kind, t

Honey imports to Canada increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Canada imported approximately 7 144 tonnes of honey, marking a moderate rise of 9.7% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 57.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 24.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 207 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 68.9% drop. The largest increase was in 2019, with a 25.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil (22.0% of imports by volume), India (14.3%), and Thailand (12.6%) played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of honey to Canada. Their combined share reached only 48.8% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Canada's honey imports from abroad amounted to 31.746 million US dollars, indicating a modest decline of 7.2% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 28.397 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 34.220 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 10.7% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 20.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (32.4% of imports by value), Brazil (14.7%), and the United States (8.0%) accounted for the largest share of Canada's honey imports in value terms. Together, they comprised 55.1% of total flows.

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

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