Honey market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the honey market volume in China gradually increased from 327 thousand tons to 332 thousand tons. This growth was supported by production expansion, including a 5.3% output rise in 2018, and the entry of new companies into the industry. In 2019, further production growth was anticipated, while increasing consumer focus on product quality and functionality bolstered demand. Global economic conditions in 2020, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, led to fluctuations in consumption, yet the market volume continued its slow upward trend.

In 2022, the market volume contracted to 310 thousand tons, a 6.6% decrease from the previous year. This decline coincided with global economic stagnation, which weakened export performance and reduced domestic market activity. Challenges such as honey adulteration and labeling inaccuracies, alongside climate change threatening bee habitats, presented additional headwinds for the sector. By 2023, the market showed signs of recovery, reaching 315 thousand tons, aided by growing consumer demand for natural and health-oriented foods. The industry began implementing stricter testing standards and traceability systems to reinforce product quality and consumer trust.

In 2024, the national standard T/GBAS 45-2023 was published, specifying technical requirements, test methods, and labeling rules for natural honey. This move aims to ensure product transparency and quality, aligning with rising consumer attention to ingredient origin and purity. Concurrently, exports of natural honey grew by 11.1% to 169.6 thousand tons, highlighting sustained external demand for Chinese honey.

Production honey in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, China was the world's leading honey producer from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, China's honey production rebounded in 2020, reaching 458.1 thousand tonnes, a 3.2% year-over-year increase. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, production fell by 15.6%, averaging an annualized decline of 5.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 444.1 thousand tonnes, with the sharpest drop occurring in 2018 at 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, China's honey production value increased in 2020, totaling 878 million US dollars, a slight gain of 1.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 22.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.2%. The minimum value was 864 million US dollars in 2019, while the largest decline of 20.6% was recorded in 2018.

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

Exports honey from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's honey exports recovered after a two-year drop, reaching 132.5 thousand tonnes in 2020, a 9.6% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 2.5%, with an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest export volume was 120.8 thousand tonnes in 2019, and the largest decline of 4.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (26.7% of exports in volume), Japan (24.2%), and Belgium (7.6%) were the primary destinations for China's honey exports, collectively accounting for 58.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, China's honey exports in value terms increased in 2020, totaling 254.0 million US dollars, a moderate gain of 8.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 6.2%, with a CAGR of -2.1%. The minimum value was 235.0 million US dollars in 2019, and the largest decline of 7.9% was recorded in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Japan (27.8% of exports in value), the United Kingdom (23.8%), and Belgium (7.5%) remained the key markets for China's honey exports, jointly representing 59.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports honey to China

Imports in kind, K t

China imported 4.4 thousand tonnes of honey in 2020, down 14.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 25.7%, with a CAGR of -9.4%. The lowest import volume was 3.8 thousand tonnes in 2018, which also saw the largest decline of 32.7%. In contrast, imports increased by 28.6% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (40.2% of imports in volume), Australia (11.0%), and Thailand (9.0%) were the largest contributors to China's honey imports, together accounting for 60.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's honey imports increased for the second consecutive year, reaching 88.9 million US dollars in 2020, up 4.8% over the past year. However, from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 2.7%, with a CAGR of -0.9%. The minimum value was 70.1 million US dollars in 2018, which also experienced the largest decline of 23.3%. Imports rose by 21.1% in 2019.

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

In 2017-2020, China's honey import structure in value terms was dominated by New Zealand, which accounted for 73.2% of total flows, alongside numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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