Honey market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian honey market expanded steadily from 2018, supported by government initiatives like the Sweet Revolution which promoted apiculture to increase production and farmer income. Consumer shift toward natural and organic honey as a healthier sweetener further stimulated demand. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reinforced this trend by boosting the perceived health and immunity benefits of honey, maintaining market volume even amid global supply chain disruptions.

Growth accelerated notably from 2021, driven by strong export performance and regulatory measures such as the Minimum Export Price that helped maintain quality and competitiveness abroad. New players entered the market, investing in processing and packaging capacity, while the rapid rise of online sales channels broadened consumer access. Emerging product segments like organic honey and honey powder catered to evolving health-conscious preferences, supporting overall market expansion.

By 2023, India had become the world's second-largest exporter of natural honey, with state-owned bodies like APEDA playing a key role in regulating exports and enforcing standards. Global supply factors, including reduced honey production in Russia and Ukraine, increased international demand for Indian honey. Organic honey sales surged, and domestic production reached approximately 140 thousand metric tons by 2024, underpinned by ongoing policy support and market development.

Production honey in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Southern Asia has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 153.4 K t of honey, a slight increase of 1.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%.

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

Exports honey from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. From 2017 to 2020, exports fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough difference of 3.2 times. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 6 536 t of honey, a sharp rise of 132.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 19.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates were the main destinations for Southern Asia's honey exports. Saudi Arabia accounted for 36.3% of exports in kind, Iraq for 20.7%, and the UAE for 14.3%, together making up 71.3% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Southern Asia's honey exports were valued at 20 205 K $ US, a 25.8% increase year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 71%, with an annualized rate of 19.6%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 4.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 42.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates stood out as the key markets for honey exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia represented 34.4% of exports, Iraq 25.3%, and the UAE 12.6%, together accounting for 72.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports honey to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, honey imports to Southern Asia increased. In 2020, imports reached 1 575 t, up 37.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 38.1%, with an average annual decline of 14.8%. The lowest point was in 2019, at 1 146 t, which also saw the largest drop of 40.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia were notable suppliers of honey to Southern Asia, but not dominant. Germany contributed 11.2% of imports in kind, the UAE 9.4%, and Saudi Arabia 6.6%, with their combined share at 27.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, foreign honey supplies to Southern Asia rose. In 2020, imports were valued at 9 666 K $ US, a 37.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 15.3%, with an average annual rate of 4.9%. The lowest value was in 2019, at 7 056 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.5%.

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

The import structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Germany accounted for 19.4% of imports, Saudi Arabia for 8.9%, and the United Arab Emirates for 7.1%, together making up 35.5% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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