Honey Import Data of the US: Top Honey Importers & Buyers in USA in 2025

Honey has grown into one of the most strategically traded food commodities in the United States. It is used in household consumption, food manufacturing, nutraceuticals, confectionery, beverages, and the rapidly expanding clean-label ingredient market. Because U.S. honey production cannot fully cover domestic consumption, the country has become one of the world’s largest honey importers. According to the US import data and honey import data of the USA, the total value of US honey imports reached $650.24 million in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year. According to the US honey import data, the USA exported honey worth a total value of $336.58 million in the first two quarters of 2025. 

The US is the largest honey importer in the world, according to global trade data. U.S. honey imports reached a record high of 562 million pounds in 2024–25, making up 74% of the country's entire honey supply. During 2024–25, import volumes reached record highs, supplier patterns shifted, and U.S. buyers faced new challenges related to duties, pricing, and quality management. This article provides a granular, data-rich overview of the U.S. honey import landscape, including production shortfalls, global supplier standings, importer trends, market drivers, and forward-looking projections for 2025.

The U.S. Honey Market: Why Imports Dominate Supply

1. Domestic Production Is Significant but Insufficient

The United States has a long history of beekeeping, and domestic honey carries a strong consumer appeal. However, production levels have struggled to keep pace with rising consumption.

In 2024, U.S. honey production stood at roughly 134 million pounds, reflecting a modest decline from the previous year. While the number of honey-producing colonies increased, the yield per hive dropped to about 52 pounds per colony, down by several pounds year-over-year. Weather variability, forage availability, hive stress, and disease pressure were key contributors to this productivity decline.

Even in strong years, U.S. production rarely exceeds 150 million pounds. Yet total U.S. honey demand, including commercial and household uses, is more than four times that volume. This creates a consistent and structural gap between supply and demand.

2. Imports Fill Nearly 80 Percent of the U.S. Honey Supply

To meet demand, the United States imported more than 560 million pounds of honey in 2024, representing roughly three-quarters of all honey consumed in the country, as per the USDA honey import report. Over the past decade, the share of imported honey has steadily grown. Imports used to make up about two-thirds of the market, but rising food manufacturing usage and constrained domestic production have expanded this reliance. Honey imports are no longer supplemental; they are the backbone of the U.S. honey supply chain.

U.S. Honey Import Volumes & Value in 2024–25

Import Volume Surges

Total U.S. honey imports in 2024 measured approximately 255 million kilograms (or 562 million pounds). This represented a sizable jump compared to 2023. While volumes have trended upward for several years, this increase was especially notable because it happened despite anti-dumping duties in effect for several major supplier countries.

Several factors explain the surge:

• Strong demand from the food manufacturing industry

• Recovery in global production after earlier disruptions

• Competitive pricing from high-volume suppliers

• Importers expanding supply diversification to reduce risk

Import Value and Price Trends

The total value of imported honey in 2024 was around 650 million dollars, up from about 585 million dollars in 2023. The rise in value was driven by:

• Higher import volumes

• Premium sourcing (especially monofloral and specialty types)

• Higher shipping and insurance costs

• Quality assurance and testing expenses

• Global inflationary pressures in the agricultural sector

Average import prices varied widely because the U.S. sources honey both as a commodity and as a specialty food item. Large quantities of bulk multifloral honey enter the country at lower price points, while premium honey, especially from regions such as New Zealand or certain European origins, commands significantly higher rates.

US Honey Imports by Country: Where Does the US Import Honey From?

The United States imports honey from various countries around the world. According to data on US Honey Imports by Country, the top countries from which the US imports honey include China, Argentina, Vietnam, India, and Brazil. These countries are known for their production of high-quality honey, meeting the demand in the US market. The import of honey from these countries contributes significantly to the availability and diversity of honey choices for consumers in the United States. The top 10 countries that supply honey to the US, as per the US honey imports by country and the US shipment data for 2024-25, include: 

1. India: $151.23 million (23.3%)

India is the largest producer of honey in the world, so it's no surprise that it is also a major exporter to the US, as per the data on US honey imports from India by HS code. India is the leading supplier of honey to the United States, accounting for a substantial 23.3% of total honey imports. Indian honey is known for its high quality and diverse range of flavors, making it a popular choice among American consumers.

2. Argentina: $137.94 million (21.2%)

Argentina has a long history of beekeeping and honey production, and its honey is prized for its rich taste and aromatic qualities. Argentine honey is prized for its unique floral notes and dark amber color, making it a sought-after ingredient in many culinary dishes. The US imports a significant amount of honey from Argentina to satisfy the growing demand for this delicious natural sweetener.

3. Brazil: $84.13 million (12.9%)

Brazil is another major player in the global honey market, and its honey is particularly sought after for its unique tropical flavors, as per the data on US honey imports from Brazil. The US imports a substantial amount of honey from Brazil, adding variety to the selection available to American consumers.

4. New Zealand: $58.27 million (9%)

New Zealand is renowned for its pristine natural environment, which provides the perfect conditions for bees to produce high-quality honey. The US imports a considerable amount of honey from New Zealand, appreciating the distinct taste and purity of this honey.

5. Vietnam: $43.14 million (6.6%)

Vietnam may not be as well-known for its honey production as some other countries, but it has been steadily increasing its honey exports to the US in recent years. Vietnamese honey is valued for its unique floral notes and is a favorite among health-conscious consumers.

6. Ukraine: $27.68 million (4.3%)

Ukraine is a rising star in the global honey market, with its honey gaining recognition for its exceptional quality and flavor. The US imports a growing amount of honey from Ukraine, reflecting the increasing popularity of Ukrainian honey among American consumers.

7. Canada: $27.48 million (4.2%)

Our neighbors to the north are also a significant source of honey for the US market. Canadian honey is esteemed for its purity and craftsmanship, and the US imports a considerable amount of honey from Canada to meet domestic demand.

8. Uruguay: $25.71 million (4%)

Uruguay may be a small country, but it punches above its weight when it comes to honey production. Uruguayan honey is prized for its rich flavor and exceptional quality, attracting a loyal following among American consumers.

9. Mexico: $22.53 million (3.5%)

Mexico is renowned for its diverse range of honey varieties, from the delicate floral notes of orange blossom honey to the robust flavors of avocado honey. The US imports a significant amount of honey from Mexico, adding a touch of Mexican sweetness to American pantries.

10. Türkiye: $12.81 million (2%)

Turkey, or Türkiye as it is known locally, is a rising star in the global honey market. Turkish honey is distinguished by its rich taste and aromatic qualities, making it a popular choice among American consumers looking for something special.

List of Top Honey Importers & Buyers in USA: US Honey Importers Database

The US Honey Importers Database is a valuable resource for businesses seeking to connect with prominent players in the honey import industry in the United States. This database provides crucial information on key American honey importers and buyers, helping companies establish beneficial relationships and enhance their market presence. The leading honey importers & buyers in the USA, as per the US honey importers data & honey buyers list for 2024-25, include:

US Honey Imports in the Last 10 Years: Historical US Honey Import Data

Top Honey Supplying Countries to the USA in 2024–25

The United States imports honey from more than 50 countries, but a limited set of major exporters supply the bulk of the volume. Based on 2024 trade data, the ranking of the top suppliers is as follows:

1. India

• Value: Around 151 million dollars

• Volume: About 74 million kilograms
  

• India is the largest supplier to the U.S. in both volume and value. Its competitive pricing, consistent bulk honey production, and strong export orientation make it a core trade partner.

2. Argentina

• Value: Around 137 million dollars

• Volume: About 56 million kilograms
  

• Argentina has long been a major global honey powerhouse. Its honey is often valued for flavor consistency and quality, making it popular among U.S. packers.

3. Brazil

• Value: Roughly 84 million dollars

• Volume: About 30 million kilograms
  

• Brazil’s honey industry continues to expand, supported by large-scale beekeeping in diverse floral environments. Much of its honey is exported as bulk product.

4. New Zealand

• Value: Over 58 million dollars

• Volume: About 2.5 million kilograms
  

• Though New Zealand ships relatively low volumes, it exports some of the highest-value honey in the world. Premium types such as Manuka honey command exceptionally high per-kilogram prices, lifting overall value.

5. Canada

• Value: About 27 million dollars

• Volume: Around 7.6 million kilograms
  

• Canada is a reliable contributor to the U.S. supply, benefiting from geographic proximity and stable production patterns.

6. Ukraine

• Value: Roughly 27 million dollars

• Volume: More than 12 million kilograms
  

• Ukraine, despite adversity in recent years, remains a major high-volume exporter. Its honey is commonly used for blending in the U.S.

7. European Union (aggregate)

• Value: Just under 24 million dollars

• Volume: Nearly 4 million kilograms
  

• EU-origin honey tends to be higher-value, often tied to specific floral varieties and regional specialties.

These seven suppliers form the core of U.S. honey imports and set the tone for import prices, availability, and blending strategies across U.S. markets.

Who Imports Honey in the US? Importer & Buyer Landscape

The U.S. honey import market is far more fragmented than many other food commodity markets. While some major companies handle large volumes, thousands of importers participate every year. The growing demand for natural sweeteners has significantly increased the number of honey importers in USA, creating strong opportunities for global honey buyers in USA and international suppliers.

Many established honey importers work directly with bulk honey buyers in USA who rely on a consistent, high-quality supply for food manufacturing and retail markets. For producers seeking how to export honey to USA guidelines, understanding FDA compliance, quality standards, and documentation is essential for successfully exporting honey to USA. As global competition intensifies, experienced honey exporters aim to partner with reliable U.S. importers, and countries like India, Argentina, and Brazil often compete for the title of the biggest exporter of honey to the American market.

The Scale of Import Activity

Trade records show that the United States receives well over 15,000 honey shipments annually, from nearly 3,000 foreign exporters and more than 2,000 U.S.-based buyers. This large footprint signals an extremely diverse market.

Types of U.S. Honey Importers

U.S. importers generally fall into several categories:

1. Large Commercial Honey Packers

These companies import tens of millions of pounds of honey annually. They buy in bulk, blend different honey varieties, and pack honey under national or regional retail brands. They also supply food manufacturers across the country.

2. Industrial Ingredient Suppliers

Many companies import honey not for consumer retail but as a functional ingredient. Honey is used in baked goods, sauces, candies, cereal bars, herbal remedies, and beverage formulations. Ingredient suppliers source honey in drums, totes, and intermediate bulk containers.

3. Specialty and Premium Honey Importers

These niche importers bring in monofloral or high-grade honey from specific regions. Their customers include natural food stores, health product brands, luxury food retailers, and boutique honey shops.

4. Distributors and Brokers

Honey brokerage is a major business. Brokers coordinate shipments, match buyers with foreign suppliers, handle customs processes, and negotiate long-term sourcing deals.

How Importers Operate

U.S. honey buyers typically evaluate imported honey based on:

• Moisture content

• Flavor profile

• Pollen analysis

• Color grading (white, amber, dark amber)

• Purity testing

• Certification needs (organic, non-GMO, fair-trade)

• Compliance with U.S. food safety rules

Many importers run their own testing systems or contract independent laboratories. Blending plays a major role in the market, as bulk imports from multiple countries are often combined to create products of consistent flavor, color, and cost.

Why U.S. Honey Imports Increased in 2024–25

Several forces contributed to the record import levels seen in the U.S. honey market.

1. Production Limitations at Home

Lower hive productivity and environmental stresses reduced domestic output. Even small declines in colony yield have outsized effects on supply.

2. Strong Consumer Demand

Honey use in the U.S. has expanded in:

• Sports nutrition

• Healthy snacks

• Breakfast products

• Premium beverages

• Natural medicines

• Wellness formulations

The public perception of honey as a natural alternative to refined sugar fuels this growth.

3. Lower Production Costs in Supplier Countries

Countries like India and Argentina can supply honey more cheaply due to:

• Economies of scale

• Favorable climate

• Large beekeeping networks

• Lower labor and production costs

These cost advantages push U.S. honey importers to favor foreign honey for large-scale blending and industrial uses.

4. Trade Diversification and Risk Hedging

Importers increasingly source honey from multiple countries to avoid:

• Seasonal shortages

• Geo-political disruptions

• Contamination risks in individual supply regions

• Tariff-driven price jumps

5. Growth in the Clean Label and Natural Ingredient Sector

Consumer interest in ingredient transparency accelerated honey’s role as a sweetening agent, increasing demand from food manufacturers.

Challenges and Risks Facing U.S. Honey Importers

Growing dependence on imported honey brings new complications.

1. Quality and Adulteration Issues

The global honey trade has long faced allegations of adulteration through added sugars, syrups, or filtration. As a result:

• Importers invest heavily in purity testing

• The U.S. enforces strict inspection and standards

• Buyers rely on multilayered quality assurance systems

Maintaining authenticity is one of the most expensive aspects of honey importing.

2. Anti-Dumping Duties and Policy Volatility

If the U.S. government determines that honey from a country is being dumped at artificially low prices, it can impose heavy duties. These duties sharply increase the cost of imported honey from affected countries.

Policy shifts directly influence:

• Importer sourcing decisions

• Retail honey prices

• Blending strategies

• Supplier diversification

3. Supply Chain Disruptions

Global honey flows can be disrupted by:

• Unusual weather patterns

• Droughts that reduce nectar flow

• Political instability in the exporting regions

Importers increasingly build multi-country supply networks to reduce these risks.

4. Price Fluctuations

Honey prices can swing due to:

• Crop yields in the top exporting countries

• World demand for natural sweeteners

• Competition from domestic beekeepers

• Shipping and insurance costs

• Currency exchange movements

Importers must navigate these price movements while also maintaining stable retail consumer prices.

Market Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

1. Imports Expected to Reach New Highs

Projections for the 2025 market year estimate U.S. honey imports could rise to 260,000 to 270,000 metric tons, representing a continued upward trajectory. The total import value could approach or exceed 900 million dollars.

2. Supplier Composition May Shift

While India, Argentina, and Brazil will remain dominant, other suppliers may gain ground if they offer competitive pricing or meet higher quality standards. Countries emerging as potential growth suppliers include:

• Mexico

• Vietnam

• Turkey

• Ethiopia

• Spain (for specialty honey)

3. Higher Investment in Traceability Systems

To protect brand integrity, more U.S. importers will invest in:

• Laboratory testing

• QR-code traceability

• Supply chain audits

• Certification programs

• Batch-level tracking

This is especially important for premium honey segments.

4. Increased Competition Among U.S. Importers

With thousands of buyers participating in honey imports, competition will intensify in:

• Pricing

• Supplier relationships

• Certifications

• Retail partnerships

• Private label contracts

Large packers will continue to dominate volume-based imports, while smaller niche importers will grow their presence in specialty markets.

Conclusion and Final Summary

In conclusion, the U.S. honey market in 2024–25 shows a clear and accelerating trend: honey imports are essential, not optional. With domestic production covering only about one-quarter of total demand, the United States relies heavily on global trade to meet consumer and industrial needs.

Key takeaways:

• The U.S. imported more than 562 million pounds of honey in 2024.

• Honey imports were worth about 650 million dollars.

• India, Argentina, and Brazil were the top suppliers by volume.

• A few large U.S. packers dominate the bulk honey market, but more than 2,000 buyers participate in imports annually.

• Strong consumer demand, low domestic production, and competitive global pricing fuel rising imports.

• Importers face challenges related to duties, quality testing, and supply chain risk.

• Forecasts for 2025 indicate further increases in both volume & value of imports.

As demand continues to grow and consumer preferences shift toward natural sweeteners, imported honey will remain central to the U.S. food economy.

We hope that you liked our data-driven and interactive blog report on the US honey import data 2025. For more insights into the latest US export-import data, or to search live data on US honey imports by country, visit USImportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports, a verified database of the top honey importers & buyers in USA, and market insights. 

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