Honey market in Tajikistan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for natural honey in Tajikistan showed steady expansion from 4 167 tons in 2018 to 4 697 tons in 2023, representing an overall increase of 530 tons. Growth was particularly notable after 2020, moving from a period of relative stabilization to more pronounced annual gains.

A key driver emerged in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic increased consumer demand for natural honey as a health-focused product, bolstering domestic consumption. This momentum was later reinforced by heightened state support for the beekeeping sector. In June 2023, this support was demonstrated through a major beekeepers' seminar attended by President Emomali Rahmon and an exhibition featuring over 60 tons of commercial honey, which helped stimulate further production and market activity.

Throughout the period, the market's structure presented a consistent challenge. The industry was characterized by numerous small-scale apiaries, and bureaucratic barriers complicated efforts to consolidate producers and develop exports. These factors limited the sector's international reach but did not prevent the sustained growth of domestic production and consumption.

Production honey in Tajikistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Tajikistan's honey production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 221 tonnes of honey, which remained relatively stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports honey from Tajikistan

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 9.5-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Tajikistan exported 5 326 kg of honey, marking a sharp increase of 195.7% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 685 kg. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 89.2%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, at 847.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United Arab Emirates dominated Tajikistan's honey exports in kind, together accounting for 82.5% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2017 and rose to their maximum in 2018, showing a 5.5-fold shift. In 2020, Tajikistan's honey exports amounted to 12 255 US dollars, indicating a sharp gain of 45.0% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 39 166 US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 78.4%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, at 450.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan formed the core of Tajikistan's honey exports in value terms. China accounted for 42.9% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 33.9%, and Afghanistan for 10.7%, together taking 87.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports honey to Tajikistan

Imports in kind, kg

Tajikistan's honey imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 75 kg of honey, down by 85.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 96%, equating to an annualized rate of 65.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Kyrgyzstan clearly dominated Tajikistan's honey imports in kind, jointly accounting for 85.9% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller shares during this time.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their trough in 2020 and their peak in 2018, with a 23-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Tajikistan imported 300 US dollars of honey, showing a sharp fall of 88.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 825 US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 4.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Russia and Kyrgyzstan remained the principal sources for Tajikistan's honey imports in value terms, jointly taking 83.1% of total flows. Other partners each accounted for significantly smaller shares.

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

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