In 2022, mainland China was the leading producer of natural honey worldwide by far. China produced over 461,000 metric tons of honey, over four times the amount produced in Turkey, the second top producer that year. Iran, India, and Argentina, rounded out the top five producers in 2022.

The global honey market is dominated by a few key players who export large quantities of honey annually. Here are the top ten honey-exporting countries based on recent data:

Top 10 Honey Exporting Countries

1. China
   • Export Volume: China is the largest honey exporter in the world, exporting over 100,000 tons annually.
   • Key Markets: The United States, Europe, Japan.
2. Argentina
   • Export Volume: Argentina exports approximately 70,000 to 80,000 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: The United States, Germany, Japan.
3. Ukraine
   • Export Volume: Ukraine exports around 55,000 to 60,000 tons of honey each year.
   • Key Markets: The European Union, the United States.
4. India
   • Export Volume: India exports about 40,000 to 50,000 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: The United States, the Middle East, Europe.
5. Brazil
   • Export Volume: Brazil exports approximately 30,000 to 40,000 tons of honey per year.
   • Key Markets: The United States, Europe.
6. Vietnam
   • Export Volume: Vietnam exports around 30,000 to 35,000 tons of honey each year.
   • Key Markets: The United States, Europe.
7. Mexico
   • Export Volume: Mexico exports about 25,000 to 30,000 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom.
8. New Zealand
   • Export Volume: New Zealand, known for its Manuka honey, exports approximately 10,000 to 15,000 tons per year.
   • Key Markets: The United States, Europe, China.
9. Germany
   • Export Volume: Germany exports around 10,000 tons of honey annually, much of which is re-exported honey.
   • Key Markets: The European Union, the United States.
10. Spain
    • Export Volume: Spain exports roughly 8,000 to 10,000 tons of honey each year.
    • Key Markets: The European Union, particularly France and Germany

Observations:

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• China is the clear leader in honey exports, with a significant margin over other countries.
• Argentina and Ukraine are also major players, benefiting from large-scale production and favorable export conditions.
• India and Vietnam have been increasing their honey export volumes, tapping into growing global demand.
• New Zealand stands out for exporting high-value honey, particularly Manuka honey, which commands premium prices in international markets.

In Africa, several countries are known for their honey production and export. Here are the top ten honey-exporting countries in Africa:

Top 10 Honey Exporting Countries in Africa

1. Ethiopia
   • Export Volume: Ethiopia is the largest honey producer in Africa, exporting around 4,000 to 6,000 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: Europe, Middle East, United States.
2. Tanzania
   • Export Volume: Tanzania exports approximately 500 to 1,000 tons of honey per year.
   • Key Markets: Europe, Middle East.
3. Zambia
   • Export Volume: Zambia exports around 400 to 800 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: Europe, particularly Germany and the UK.
4. Zimbabwe
   • Export Volume: Zimbabwe exports approximately 300 to 500 tons of honey each year.
   • Key Markets: Regional African markets and Europe.
5. Kenya
   • Export Volume: Kenya exports around 200 to 400 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: Middle East, Europe.
6. South Africa
   • Export Volume: South Africa exports about 150 to 300 tons of honey per year.
   • Key Markets: Europe, United States, and other African countries.
7. Uganda
   • Export Volume: Uganda exports around 100 to 300 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: Regional African markets, Europe.
8. Cameroon
   • Export Volume: Cameroon exports approximately 100 to 200 tons of honey per year.
   • Key Markets: Regional African markets, Europe.
9. Nigeria
   • Export Volume: Nigeria exports around 100 to 200 tons of honey annually.
   • Key Markets: Regional African markets, Middle East.
10. Rwanda
    • Export Volume: Rwanda exports roughly 50 to 150 tons of honey per year.
    • Key Markets: Regional African markets, Europe.

Observations:

• Ethiopia is the clear leader in honey production and export in Africa, contributing a significant portion of the continent’s total honey exports.
• Countries like Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have growing honey export sectors, benefiting from diverse flora and favorable climates.
• Many African countries, such as Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, are expanding their honey production and export capabilities, though most of the honey produced is still consumed domestically or within the region.
• The majority of African honey exports are organic, which is increasingly valued in international markets.

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