In 2024, China honey exports surged, driven by global demand for healthy foods and diversified supply chains. Chinese bee products like honey and royal jelly gained stronger footholds in international markets with stable quality and competitive pricing. Notably, Delee Foods Group Co.,ltd. played a pivotal role in this growth through its strategic global expansion. Below are the key highlights and trends:
2024 China Honey Exports: Volume and Value Rise, Market Diversification
- Robust Annual Performance
- Full-year exports reached USD 359 million, up 5.00% year-on-year, while export volume hit 183,600 tons, surging 11.71%. This underscores growing global reliance on China’s honey products.
- December alone saw exports of USD 35 million(+4.41%) and 19,400 tons (+10.55%), signaling strong year-end momentum.
- Top Markets: Japan Leads, Europe and Middle East Gain Traction
The top 10 markets—Japan, the UK, Belgium, Spain, Poland, the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and Saudi Arabia—accounted for 82%of total export value.
- Japanremained the largest buyer with annual exports of USD 72 million (+4.90%), including USD 5 million in December (+5.27%).
- European Demand: Six European countries (UK, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Germany, Netherlands) featured in the top 10, reflecting deepening trust in Chinese products.
- Emerging Markets: Saudi Arabia debuted in the top 10, highlighting untapped potential in the Middle East.
Delee Foods Group: A Rising Star in Global Honey Trade
As a key contributor to China’s export growth, We achieved remarkable milestones in 2024:
- Honey exports surpassed USD 8 million, while broader bee product exports (including propolis, royal jelly) exceeded USD 3 millionfor the first time, marking significant year-on-year growth.
- Strategic Market Alignment: Ourcompany exported to major markets such as the UK, Spain, Japan, Poland, the Netherlands, Australia, and Saudi Arabia—mirroring China’s top export destinations and demonstrating synergistic growth.
- Saudi Arabia as Top Market: Wefocused efforts in Saudi Arabia paid off, with the country becoming its largest single market due to strong demand for premium honey products.
These achievements highlight Delee’s robust supply chain capabilities and China’s evolving ability to compete globally through branding and market-specific strategies.
Future Outlook: Quality and Innovation to Sustain Growth
2024’s data reveals a shift in China’s honey industry from “volume-driven” to “quality and diversification-led” growth. To capitalize on the rising demand for natural health products, industry players should:
- Enhance traceability and certificationsto meet stringent EU, Japanese, and South Korean standards;
- Explore emerging marketsin the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, leveraging trade agreements;
- Develop high-value productslike organic honey, functional bee supplements, and eco-friendly packaging to differentiate offerings.
2024 marked a milestone year for China’s honey exports, blending strong performance with evolving global strategies. From macroeconomic trends to corporate success stories like us, the sector is poised to “sweeten” its global influence further. As health-conscious consumption and sustainable trade practices gain momentum, China’s bee industry is well-positioned to turn challenges into opportunities.
