Honey market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Portuguese honey market experienced moderate fluctuations. In 2018, production was reduced by wildfires that destroyed bee forage, but a rise in beekeeper numbers and hives, along with increased imports, helped maintain market volume. The implementation of the National Beekeeping Program (PAN) continued in 2019, focusing on bee health and quality standards. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 negatively affected production due to mobility restrictions, leading to a slight market contraction.

Market volume declined in 2021 as growing domestic demand for national honey was unmet due to insufficient supply, while increased exports—partly driven by international recognition of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) honeys—reduced domestic availability. A sharp 37% surge to 14 060 t followed in 2022, fueled by a substantial rise in imports to offset supply shortages caused by inflationary cost pressures and bee health issues like varroosis and Asian hornet. However, in 2023, market volume dropped to 10 488 t as continued cost pressures and sanitary challenges constrained both production and imports.

Throughout the period, the sector was supported by the PAN's technical assistance and quality focus, including rules for organic and PDO honey. Health threats such as varroosis and Vespa velutina remained persistent regulatory concerns influencing management practices.

Production honey in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of honey, 2018-2021

World map of production of honey, 2018-2021

In 2021, Portugal produced 10 441 tonnes of honey, marking a modest 6.4% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 5.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 9 817 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Portugal's honey production rebounded in value terms. In 2021, the output was valued at 22 049 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 22.8% increase from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 17 961 thousand US dollars, following the largest decline of 12.8% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports honey from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Portugal increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totalled 9 635 tonnes, which is 29.5% higher than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 88.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain remained the dominant export destination in volume terms, accounting for 86.4% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed across various other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's honey export value increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 20 346 thousand US dollars, a substantial 49.4% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 79.2%, with an average annual rate of 21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the export structure in value terms was heavily focused on Spain, which held a 72.9% share of total flows, with other markets playing a less significant role.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports honey to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Honey imports into Portugal increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 9 463 tonnes, showing a controlled 8.7% improvement from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 44.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the import structure in volume terms was led by China (45.5% of imports), Spain (20.9%), and Cuba (10.8%), together representing 77.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Honey import value in Portugal increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 21 494 thousand US dollars, marking a steep 25.5% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 26.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 696 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the 2018-2021 period, the main sources for honey imports in value terms were Spain (33.1% of imports), China (24.9%), and Germany (11.0%), forming a combined share of 69.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021