Honey market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Production of natural honey in Tanzania showed consistent growth from 2018 to 2020, supported by regulatory frameworks like the National Beekeeping Policy and Tanzania Forest Services oversight, which promoted sustainable practices. Growing global consumer demand for natural and organic honey provided additional incentive for local beekeepers to maintain and gradually increase output.

A significant shift occurred from 2021 onward when government-backed reforms spurred the emergence of honey-processing industries. The construction of eight medium to large-scale processing facilities between 2021 and 2025, coupled with campaigns encouraging beekeepers to scale up production, directly boosted honey volumes. This infrastructure expansion enabled the sector to better meet both domestic and international demand.

The growth momentum continued into 2023, with the government allocating over 11 000 hectares for beekeeping and the Tanzania Honey Trademark gaining recognition for quality assurance. These measures, along with ongoing value-chain development projects, further solidified production increases and supported the honey market's expansion.

Production honey in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Tanzania ranked as the 14th largest honey producer during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Tanzania's honey production volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 31 260 tons of honey, marking a 0.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports honey from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania exported 395.5 tons of honey, a decrease of 44.5% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 713.1 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 219.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya, Uganda, and Oman remained the top buyers of Tanzanian honey, accounting for 46.5%, 13.8%, and 6.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 66.9% of total honey exports from Tanzania.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Tanzania's honey export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 516.9 thousand US dollars, reflecting a measured increase of 6.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 77.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, Tanzanian honey was exported to a diverse range of markets. Even the largest destinations—Kenya, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates—collectively accounted for only 42.2% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports honey to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

Tanzania's honey imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 23.2 tons, indicating a slight gain of 1.5% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 47.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and India continued to be the main suppliers of honey to Tanzania, contributing 40.7%, 18.6%, and 17.6% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 77.0% of total honey imports into Tanzania.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania imported 13.6 thousand US dollars worth of honey, down by 17.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 32.9 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 138.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 50.1%.

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

In 2017–2020, Tanzania sourced honey from a broad portfolio of suppliers. The United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and India were the top contributors, accounting for 17.9%, 17.1%, and 14.5% of imports in value terms, respectively. Together, they represented only 49.5% of total imports, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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