Honey market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

The honey market in Kazakhstan expanded from 2 771 tons in 2018 to 3 586 tons in 2020. This initial growth was supported by the emergence of new certified organic apiaries, which raised domestic production. A significant surge occurred in 2020 as consumer demand for honey intensified due to its perceived health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Market volume continued to increase, peaking at 4 138 tons in 2022. The development of the organic honey segment and the strengthening of large producers helped sustain production growth. In 2022, a sharp decline in exports caused by global logistical and economic challenges kept more honey available domestically. By 2023, export volumes recovered substantially, leading to a slight market adjustment and stabilization at 4 057 tons.

Production honey in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Kazakhstan has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 177 tonnes of honey, marking a moderate 8.4% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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

Exports honey from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Kazakhstan have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 176.0 tonnes of honey, showing a substantial 15.0% gain year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 111.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 28.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia were the key partners for Kazakhstan's honey exports in kind. China accounted for 33.2% of exports, Uzbekistan for 23.7%, and Saudi Arabia for 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 72.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. In 2017, exports in value terms hit their lowest point, then peaked in 2019 with a 2.8-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan's honey export value stood at 464 thousand US dollars, down by 21.1% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 587 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 143.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were the principal destinations for Kazakhstan's honey exports in value terms. China made up 27.8% of exports, Saudi Arabia 22.2%, and the United Arab Emirates 17.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 67.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports honey to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 128.0 tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 585.0 tonnes, representing a 4.6-fold variation. In 2020, Kazakhstan's honey import volume showed a steep rise of 253.7% over the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 with a 70.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—Russia and Kyrgyzstan—dominated honey imports in kind to Kazakhstan, jointly accounting for 99.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports bottomed in 2018 at 367 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2017, with a 5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan's honey import value reached 667 thousand US dollars, up by 55.9% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 with an 80.2% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia and Kyrgyzstan were the key markets for honey imports in value terms to Kazakhstan. Russia accounted for 56.8% of total flows, while Kyrgyzstan made up 42.5%. Together, they formed 99.4% of total import flows.

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

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