Honey market in the United States, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. honey market volume fluctuated between 252 and 269 thousand tonnes from 2018 to 2023. A peak of 269.1 thousand tonnes was reached in 2021, driven by sustained consumer preference for natural, organic, and clean-label honey products, which significantly boosted demand.

Growing health awareness and the emergence of new segments like organic and raw honey supported market stability in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further increased demand as honey was more widely used in natural remedies. In 2023, the launch of Nate's Manuka honey by Nature Nate's Honey Co. expanded the specialty honey segment, contributing to modest volume growth.

Despite declines in 2018 and 2022, the market remained resilient, with long-term demand drivers such as the shift towards natural sweeteners and the popularity of infused and specialty honeys helping to maintain volume above 252 thousand tonnes throughout the period.

Production honey in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States ranked 6th globally in honey production.

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, honey production in the United States declined. In 2020, the country produced 66 948 tonnes of honey, marking a moderate 5.9% decrease from the previous year. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 71 179 tonnes, while the largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Honey production in the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 203.9 million US dollars, representing a 4.8% drop from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports honey from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, honey exports from the United States totaled 8.5 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate 9.4% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 9.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, South Korea, and the Philippines were the primary destinations for US honey exports in volume terms, accounting for 42.2%, 10.0%, and 9.3% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 61.6% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, honey exports from the United States increased. In 2020, exports reached 25.8 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 10.7% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 23.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, South Korea, and Japan were the top buyers of US honey in value terms, accounting for 40.2%, 12.1%, and 11.1% of exports, respectively. Their combined share reached 63.4% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports honey to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, honey imports into the United States increased. In 2020, import volume reached 196.6 thousand tonnes, representing a 4.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 188.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, India, Vietnam, and Argentina formed the core group of suppliers for US honey imports in volume terms, accounting for 22.6%, 20.8%, and 18.8% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 62.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, honey imports into the United States increased. In 2020, imports reached 441.4 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 2.6% rise from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 430.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Brazil, and India were the three largest markets for US honey imports in value terms, together accounting for 51.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020