Honey market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Uzbekistan's honey market volume grew from 12 523 t to 13 419 t, supported by state beekeeping development programs and international cooperation with organizations like UNDP and FAO. The signing of a veterinary protocol with China in 2019 opened access to a key export market, while the industry showed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 through expanded leasing programs for processing and packaging equipment.

The market continued its expansion, reaching 16 262 t by 2023. Uzbekistan achieved the world's highest per capita honey production in 2021, driven by rising domestic consumption and an import-substitution focus. During this period, stricter quality and certification requirements for export, particularly to China, were implemented. Concurrently, increased honey imports from Kazakhstan intensified domestic competition and influenced the market structure.

A significant milestone was reached in 2024 with the first official shipment of Uzbek honey to China, the result of multi-year negotiations. Production grew by an estimated 25%, bolstered by ongoing state support and the introduction of new packaging and labeling regulations to meet international standards. Imports also surged sharply, reflecting the market's dynamic evolution.

Production honey in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan was among the world's leading honey producers, ranking 28th globally by production volume.

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Uzbekistan grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 13 358 tons of honey, a 2.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 13.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, Uzbekistan's honey production value declined. In 2020, honey output was valued at 26 986 thousand US dollars, down 9.4% from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 17.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 29 778 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 25.8%.

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

Exports honey from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

Honey export volumes showed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 22.6 tons and peaked in 2018 at 78.4 tons, representing a 3.5-fold difference. In 2020, Uzbekistan exported 49.1 tons of honey, a sharp increase of 117.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 71.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Russia formed the core export markets for Uzbekistan's honey in volume terms. The United States accounted for 46.7% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 27.9%, and Russia for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented 85.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Honey export values exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 51.7 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 180.0 thousand US dollars, creating a 3.5-fold gap. In 2020, exports totaled 99.1 thousand US dollars, marking a sudden increase of 91.6% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 71.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 153.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Russia were the key partners for Uzbekistan's honey exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 47.8% of export value, the United Arab Emirates for 27.2%, and Russia for 9.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports honey to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

Honey import volumes into Uzbekistan grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 110.2 tons, a sharp increase of 100.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 32 314.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 586.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were the key partners for honey imports into Uzbekistan in volume terms, together accounting for 85.5% of total import flows. Other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Honey import values into Uzbekistan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 157.0 thousand US dollars, an abrupt gain of 138.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value soared by 50 698.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 697.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan played the leading roles in Uzbekistan's honey imports in value terms, with a combined share of 80.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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