China: Honey Market 2025

Honey Market Size in China

For the sixth consecutive year, the Chinese honey market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -4.6% to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, consumption showed a slight shrinkage. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Honey Production in China

In value terms, honey production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 149% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Honey Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, shipments abroad of honey increased by 6.9% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 17%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, honey exports expanded remarkably to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons), Japan (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) were the main destinations of honey exports from China, with a combined 57% share of total exports. Poland, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Romania and Thailand lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Saudi Arabia (with a CAGR of +26.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($X), the UK ($X) and Belgium ($X) were the largest markets for honey exported from China worldwide, together accounting for 56% of total exports. Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Portugal, Germany, Romania, Ireland and Thailand lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +28.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average honey export price amounted to $X per ton, leveling off at the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 25%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Saudi Arabia (+1.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Honey Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, the amount of honey imported into China shrank markedly to X tons, reducing by -15.2% on 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a mild expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 38% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, honey imports shrank dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, showed buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 63%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2021, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

New Zealand (X tons), Russia (X tons) and Thailand (X tons) were the main suppliers of honey imports to China, together comprising 75% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Russia (with a CAGR of +65.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, New Zealand ($X) constituted the largest supplier of honey to China, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Australia ($X), with a 7.2% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from New Zealand amounted to +14.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Australia (+9.2% per year) and France (+13.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average honey import price amounted to $X per ton, waning by -20% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average import price increased by 70%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2021, and then reduced rapidly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per ton), while the price for Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malaysia (+50.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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