Honey market in Sudan

Earlier Report Observations

Honey production in Sudan remained remarkably stable at around 740–745 t per year from 2018 to 2023. This consistency was underpinned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's ongoing support for major irrigated agriculture projects, such as Rahad and Al-Jazirah, which ensured a reliable forage base of flowering plants for bees. Concurrently, the Central Bank of Sudan's policies to encourage financing for productive sectors provided additional support to beekeepers and honey producers.

The physical market volume grew from 779 t in 2018 to a peak of 835 t in 2019, largely driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards natural and healthy products, which boosted demand. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, and a surge in exports contributed to a contraction in domestic market volume to 794 t. Subsequent regulatory changes, including new Central Bank measures in 2021 to control export proceeds and updated export-import procedures in early 2022, continued to influence trade flows and market size.

After a period of contraction, the market recovered to 805 t by 2023. This rebound was facilitated by a sharp decline in export volumes, which kept more honey within the country, and was reinforced by growing domestic demand. A 2022 scientific study highlighting the quality of Sudanese honey further bolstered its reputation and consumer interest, sustaining the market amid evolving preferences.

Production honey in Sudan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Sudan's honey production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 744.4 tons of honey, which remained broadly stable compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 740.0 tons, marking the largest decline of 1.3% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 0.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, Sudan's honey production value increased in 2020. The output was valued at 3 308 thousand US dollars, up by 28.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 14.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 572 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 28.0% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Sudan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports honey from Sudan

Exports in kind, t

Sudan's volume of honey exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 58.4 tons of honey, which is 241.8% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 1 421.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 147.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia dominated Sudan's honey export structure in kind, accounting for 71.8% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sudan's honey export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 259.6 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gain of 339.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 1 208.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 135.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait formed a dominant pair of markets for Sudan's honey exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.8% of total flows. Other countries represented the remaining share.

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

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

Imports honey to Sudan

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Sudan's honey import volumes varied 2.1 times from the low in 2018 to the high in 2020. In 2020, the country imported approximately 108.0 tons of honey, which remained broadly stable relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 51.7 tons, marking the largest decline of 51.8% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 108.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and India were the main markets for Sudan's honey imports in kind. The UAE accounted for 31.7% of imports, Ethiopia for 27.2%, and India for 22.1%, jointly taking 81.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Sudan's honey imports increased in 2020. Imports amounted to 292.9 thousand US dollars, which is 18.0% higher year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 248.1 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.8% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Ethiopia continued to lead as the main suppliers of honey to Sudan in value terms. The UAE accounted for 29.4% of imports, India for 18.5%, and Ethiopia for 15.5%, jointly taking 63.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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