How is the export trend of top honey importing countries?

Europe

Europe is highly dependent on imports for its honey supply, and much like other countries, the hive population is decreasing, while the demand for honey remains high.

• Germany
  

Approximately 80% of Germany’s honey supply is gained through imports, while the remaining 20% is through domestic production, according to the Georgia Farmer’s Association. Bulk honey is the most common form of import, which is then repackaged and reprocessed domestically. Within the market, floral honey is the most prevalent, and the cheapest. With premium honey varieties such as Manuka, prices can go higher, and even more so if the honey is produced locally or organic with fair trade certifications. Consumers are generally willing to pay more for honey if they have these qualifications and if they contain medicinal properties.

In 2020, German imports of honey came mainly from Mexico, Argentina, Ukraine, and New Zealand. Argentina used to be the leading source for imports, but ever since there has been a decline in production, alternative sources, such as Ukraine, became a more attractive option, even more so as the EU has granted Ukraine duty-free quotas for honey imports.

• United Kingdom
  

The UK is one of the top importers of honey in Europe, for which in 2020, New Zealand was listed as its top exporter, with China following. While New Zealand exports a much smaller quantity, it has a larger export value than that of China, indicating the type of honey which is exported from the two countries, where New Zealand honey is on the pricier side, with premium varieties.

• France
  

France has a strong domestic honey system, but due to the inevitable decline in production, like other countries, it has started to lean towards imports. Like Germany, bulk imports are common, with approximately 20-30% of imports going towards industrial uses, consisting of cheaper Chinese honey imports, approximately 20% towards wholesalers which then funneled to specialty shops selling monofloral honey, with approximately 55% of imported honey goes toward large retailers (Carrefour, Auchan, etc.), consisting of packed poly-floral honey.

United States

According to the USDA National Honey Report, natural organic honey, comb honey, natural light amber honey, natural amber/darker honey, natural white honey, and natural extra light honey are imported in the US. Natural organic honey imports are predominantly from the Brazilian market, with Indian, Vietnamese, and Argentinian markets taking up most of natural light amber honey imports.