Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in 2025: A Global Overview
Honey, a natural sweetener produced by bees from flower nectar, is a major agricultural commodity with significant economic and cultural importance worldwide. In 2025, global honey production continues to thrive, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and organic sweeteners, advances in beekeeping practices, and the critical role of bees in pollination. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global honey production will reach approximately 1.89 million metric tons in 2023, with steady growth expected through 2025 due to rising health-conscious trends and sustainable beekeeping initiatives. This article examines the top 10 honey-producing countries in 2025, analyzing their production volumes, beekeeping practices, and contributions to the global honey market, supported by detailed data and visualizations.
Global Honey Production: An Overview
Honey production is a complex industry influenced by climate, flora, beekeeping techniques, and market dynamics. The global honey market was valued at $9.8 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach $10.3 billion in 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. Key drivers include the growing popularity of honey as a natural alternative to refined sugar and its use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, challenges such as declining bee populations, climate change, and adulteration concerns remain, requiring sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.
The top 10 honey-producing countries account for more than 60% of global production, with Asia, Europe, and Latin America leading the way. These countries leverage diverse ecosystems, advanced beekeeping technologies, and strong export markets to maintain their dominance. Below, we delve into the top 10 honey-producing countries in 2025, based on the latest available data from 2022-2023, with projections for 2025, and highlight their unique contributions to the industry.
Top 10 honey producing countries in 2025
1. China: The global leader
China remains the undisputed leader in honey production, contributing approximately 25% of the global supply. In 2022, China produced 461,900 tons of honey, and estimates for 2025 suggest that production could reach 500,000-550,000 tons due to continued investment in beekeeping. Zhejiang Province, with over 1 million hives and 15,000 beekeepers, is the heart of China’s honey production and is known for its high-quality, pure honey. China’s diverse climate and flora, coupled with large-scale commercial beekeeping, make this dominance possible. About 75% of its honey is consumed domestically, with exports valued at $254.2 million in 2023, mainly to Europe and Japan. However, concerns about adulteration have led to stricter quality controls to maintain market confidence.
2. Turkey: Europe’s beekeeping hub
Turkey ranks second in the world, producing 118,297 metric tons of honey in 2022, with projections for 2025 estimating an increase to 120,000-130,000 metric tons. With over 6 million hives and 104,709 beekeepers, provinces such as Mugla, Ordu and Aydin lead production. Turkey’s honey is prized for its rich flavor, which comes from its diverse flora, including pine and chestnut blossoms. The country exports to the U.S., Germany, and Saudi Arabia, although much of its production is consumed domestically due to quality and marketing challenges. Sustainable practices and government support are boosting Turkey’s production.
3. Iran: Rising Star in Asia
Iran will produce 79,535 tons of honey in 2022, with a projected annual increase of 5-10%, potentially reaching 90,000 tons by 2025. Regions such as West Azerbaijan and Ardabil are major production centers, supported by 6 million beehives. Iran’s adoption of modern beekeeping tools and environmentally friendly practices has increased yields, and exports to markets in Asia and Europe are growing.
4. India: A growing exporter
India’s honey production will reach 74,204 metric tons in 2022, with Punjab contributing 39% of the national production. By 2025, production is expected to approach 80,000 metric tons, driven by 35,000 beekeepers in Punjab alone and diverse bee species such as Apis mellifera and Apis cerana indica. India’s exports, valued at $229.3 million in 2023, are destined for Europe and Asia, although concerns about adulteration have led to stricter regulations.
5. Argentina: Latin America’s powerhouse
Argentina produced 70,437 metric tons of honey in 2022, with Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos leading the way. Projections for 2025 are 75,000-80,000 tons, supported by 13,700 beekeepers. Argentina’s high-quality honey, valued at $243.2 million in 2022, is a favorite in global markets, especially the U.S. Its fertile Pampas region and ethical beekeeping practices ensure consistent production.
6. Russia: Diverse regional production
Russia’s honey production will reach 67,014 metric tons in 2022 and 70,000 metric tons in 2025. Regions such as the Far East and Siberia are major contributors, with exports to China, Belarus and the USA. Russia’s vast landscapes and varied flora support diverse honey varieties, making it a key player in both domestic and international markets.
7. Mexico: Sustainable growth
Mexico produced 64,320 metric tons of honey in 2022, with estimates for 2025 ranging from 65,000 to 70,000 metric tons. With 1.9 million hives and 43,000 beekeepers, Mexico’s honey is produced using advanced, environmentally friendly methods. The country’s exports, valued at $109 million in 2023, go to the U.S. and Europe, with a growing interest in organic honey.
8. Ukraine: Europe’s Per Capita Leader
Ukraine, producing 63,079 tons in 2022, is expected to maintain similar levels in 2025 despite geopolitical challenges. Known for its high per capita honey production, Ukraine exports $137.9 million worth of honey, mostly to Europe. Its 400,000 beekeepers and diverse flora ensure robust production, although the ongoing war has disrupted supply chains.
9. Brazil: Organic Honey Leader
Brazil will produce 60,966 metric tons of honey in 2022, with the Northeastern Atlantic Rainforest as a key region. Projections for 2025 are 65,000 metric tons, driven by Africanized bees, which are resistant to disease. Brazil’s organic honey exports, valued at $137.9 million in 2023, are significant, especially to the United States.
10. United States: A Major Importer and Producer
The United States will produce 56,849 metric tons of honey in 2022, with North Dakota leading the way with 31 million pounds. By 2025, production is expected to reach 60,000 metric tons, supported by 2.7 million hives. The U.S. is the largest importer of honey, with imports valued at $794 million in 2022, primarily from India and Argentina.
Key trends and challenges
The global honey industry faces several trends and challenges in 2025. Demand for organic honey, which accounts for 78% of the market, continues to grow, particularly in Europe and North America. However, adulteration remains a concern, with 10% of U.S.-imported honey from India and Vietnam found to be contaminated with sweeteners. Climate change and pesticide use are threatening bee populations, prompting countries such as Ethiopia and Brazil to adopt sustainable practices. In addition, the rise of premium honeys, such as New Zealand’s Manuka (valued at $242.9 million in 2023 exports), highlights the value of unique varieties.
Table: Top 10 Honey-Producing Countries (2022 and 2025 Projections)
Rank | Country | 2022 Production (Metric Tons) | 2025 Projected Production (Metric Tons) | Export Value (2023, USD Million) |
1 | China | 461,900 | 500,000–550,000 | 254.2 |
2 | Türkiye | 118,297 | 120,000–130,000 | 137.3 |
3 | Iran | 79,535 | 85,000–90,000 | Not Available |
4 | India | 74,204 | 78,000–80,000 | 229.3 |
5 | Argentina | 70,437 | 75,000–80,000 | 243.2 |
6 | Russia | 67,014 | 68,000–70,000 | Not Available |
7 | Mexico | 64,320 | 65,000–70,000 | 109.0 |
8 | Ukraine | 63,079 | 60,000–65,000 | 137.9 |
9 | Brazil | 60,966 | 62,000–65,000 | 137.9 |
10 | United States | 56,849 | 58,000–60,000 | 57.4 |
Sources: FAO (2022), Statista (2023), TradeImeX (2023)
Regional Insights
Asia: The Production Powerhouse
Asia dominates global honey production, with China, Iran, and India together producing more than 600,000 metric tons in 2022. China’s large-scale operations and India’s diverse bee species drive this dominance, while Iran’s adoption of modern techniques signals future growth. The region’s diverse climates and rich flora provide ideal conditions for beekeeping.
Europe: Quality and sustainability
Europe, led by Turkey and Ukraine, is a major player, with the EU producing enough to rank second in the world after China. Countries such as Romania, Spain and Germany are emphasizing quality and organic certification to meet the region’s high demand for premium honey. Europe’s focus on sustainable beekeeping is in line with its large organic food market, valued at €53-54 billion in 2021.
Latin America: Organic and export-driven
Argentina, Mexico and Brazil are Latin America’s honey giants, with a strong focus on organic production. Brazil’s organic honey and Argentina’s high quality exports cater to the U.S. and Europe, while Mexico’s environmentally friendly practices enhance its global competitiveness.
North America: Balancing Production and Imports
Despite significant production, the United States relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. North Dakota’s dominance in U.S. production highlights regional specialization, but the country’s $794 million import market underscores its role as a consumer rather than a self-sufficient producer.
Economic and Cultural Importance
Honey is more than a sweetener; it’s a cultural and economic staple. In Turkey, honey is a symbol of tradition, while in New Zealand, Manuka honey drives premium exports. Ethiopia’s Tigray white honey and Thailand’s stingless honey highlight the diversity of global varieties. Economically, honey supports millions of beekeepers, from small farmers in India to large-scale operations in China, contributing to rural development and food security.
The Future Outlook
The global honey market is projected to reach $11.8 billion by 2032, with organic honey leading the growth. Innovations in beekeeping, such as precision apiculture and disease-resistant bee breeds, will drive production. However, protecting bee populations from pesticides and climate change remains critical. Countries like Ethiopia, with its resilient African bees, and Brazil, with its organic focus, are well positioned to capitalize on these trends.
The bottom line
The top 10 honey-producing countries in 2025-China, Turkey, Iran, India, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, Ukraine, Brazil, and the United States-are shaping the global honey industry through their scale, quality, and innovation. Supported by data from FAO and Statista, these nations demonstrate the interplay of tradition, technology, and sustainability in meeting rising global demand. As the industry evolves, balancing production growth with environmental stewardship will be key to ensuring that honey remains a golden commodity for generations to come.
