In 2024, Ukraine entered the TOP 3 global leaders in honey exports and ranked third with 85.8 thousand tons, according to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UABC).
Analysts noted that China and India ranked first and second among the world’s top five honey exporters last year, with 169,600 tons and 94,800 tons, respectively. Argentina (78,100 tons) and Vietnam (48,200 tons) ranked fourth and fifth.
“Honey is probably one of the few components of Ukrainian agricultural exports that has not been affected by the blockade of seaports by Russian troops, as its main consumers are European countries. Previously, the duty-free quotas for this product, which were allocated under the Association Agreement with the EU, were exhausted by Ukrainian exporters in a matter of days — sometimes as early as January 4. After the European Union abolished duties and fees on Ukrainian exports, Ukrainian beekeepers had profitable export opportunities,” the experts explained.
According to their information, the largest buyers of Ukrainian honey in 2024 were Germany (18.9 thousand tons), the United States (12.1 thousand tons), Poland (9.7 thousand tons), France (9.6 thousand tons), and Belgium (7.1 thousand tons). In addition, Ukrainian honey was present in other markets, namely Turkey, Great Britain, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, Jordan, etc.
However, in 2025, the EU reintroduced quotas on Ukrainian honey, creating additional barriers to exports.
“Although the quotas are significantly higher than before, they still do not cover Ukraine’s entire export potential. At the same time, this is an important step that helps Ukrainian producers remain competitive in the European market, which remains key for the sale of Ukrainian honey,” the UCA concluded.
