Honey market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The honey market in CIS expanded from 94.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 97.7 thousand tons in 2020. This initial growth was supported by an increase in the number of apiaries and the widespread adoption of migratory beekeeping practices, which enhanced production volumes. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further influenced the market by disrupting export logistics, leading to reduced overseas shipments and increased domestic availability.

Market growth continued, reaching 103.8 thousand tons by 2022. During this period, new labeling and certification rules for natural honey bolstered consumer confidence, while the expansion of online trade channels widened product access. Tightened controls on honey imports also stimulated local production, contributing to the market's rise.

In 2023, the market volume declined to 101.0 thousand tons as honey production faced challenges from a reduction in bee colonies and adverse climatic conditions. Regulatory developments, including mandatory reporting of pesticide use to beekeepers and stricter veterinary requirements for exports, continued to shape the industry's framework through 2024.

Production honey in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 102.9 K t of honey, marking a 2.3% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of honey output in the CIS was 290.0 M $ US, showing a moderate decline of 7.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value fell by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.7%. The highest increase occurred in 2019, at 5.0%.

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

Exports honey from CIS

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, honey exports from the CIS totaled 5 952 t, representing an 8.5% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.7%. The largest decline was in 2018, at 9.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 1.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated honey exports from the CIS. China accounted for 20.3% of exports in volume, Romania for 11.4%, and Italy for 10.5%, together making up 42.2% of total exports. The remaining share was spread across many smaller partners, each with modest individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, honey exports from the CIS were valued at 16 780 K $ US, reflecting a significant reduction of 17.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 29%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.8%. The steepest decline was in 2018, at 19.1%, while the highest increase was in 2019, at 6.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, key buyers of honey from the CIS included China, with 16.7% of exports in value, Italy with 11.8%, and Romania with 10.9%. However, their combined share reached only 39.5% of total exports, leaving 60.5% distributed among numerous other partners.

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

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

Imports honey to CIS

Imports in kind, t

Honey imports into the CIS have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 752 t, a strong gain of 13.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import volume decreased by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 406 t, which also saw the largest decline of 62.5%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, at 63.9%.

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

The partner structure for honey imports in volume from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Austria contributed 7.1% of imports, Ukraine 4.8%, and Iran 2.5%, together accounting for only 14.3% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Honey imports into the CIS have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value stood at 3 435 K $ US, an intense improvement of 25.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 20.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.5%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 2 295 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 47.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, honey imports in value to the CIS were distributed across many markets. Austria accounted for 10.9% of imports, Turkey for 4.2%, and France for 4.2%, jointly making up only 19.4% of total flows.

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

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