Honey - The Times Of Central Asia

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Agriculture

Kazakhstan Doubles Honey Exports in 2025

Kazakhstan’s beekeepers nearly doubled their honey exports in 2025, with neighboring Uzbekistan emerging as the primary destination, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Official data show that Kazakhstan exported 1,477 tons of honey in 2025, compared to 603 tons in 2024. The majority of shipments, 1,264 tons, or 85.6% of total exports, were delivered to Uzbekistan. Kazakh honey was also exported to Canada, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States. A trial shipment was sent to Oman for the first time. Amid rising exports, imports declined sharply. In 2025, honey imports totaled 262.4 tons, down from 1,663 tons in 2024. The Ministry of Agriculture attributes this decrease to increased domestic production and the strengthening position of local producers. Kazakhstan produces approximately 5,000 tons of honey annually. Nearly half of this volume, 2,300 tons, comes from private subsidiary farms, while 2,700 tons are produced by large enterprises. Beekeeping is most developed in the East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Almaty, and Turkestan regions, as well as in the Abai and Zhetisu regions. These regions account for around 241,000 bee colonies, more than 90,000 of which have breeding status. State support measures include production subsidies. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that the sector’s development is being pursued systematically. In 2024, a roadmap for the industry’s development for 2025-2027 was approved, and amendments to the laws “On Beekeeping” and “On Breeding Livestock” were drafted. In April 2025, the proposed amendments were submitted to parliament. According to the ministry, the legislative changes are intended to increase transparency in the sector, strengthen breeding programs, and enhance the competitiveness of Kazakh honey in foreign markets, thereby creating a foundation for further export growth and rural development. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Hungarian company Aranynektár Kft announced in 2024 plans to build a honey processing plant in Kazakhstan to facilitate exports to European Union countries.

Agriculture

Hungarian Firm to Build Honey Processing Plant in Kazakhstan

Hungarian company Aranynektár Kft plans to invest in the construction of a honey production and processing plant in Kazakhstan, with a focus on environmentally friendly exports to the European Union. The project was discussed during a meeting in Astana between Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Yermek Kenzhehanuly, and Aranynektár Kft CEO Ferenc Fulmer. According to the ministry, the facility will feature modern equipment and aim to meet stringent EU standards. “Kazakhstan has all the necessary conditions for the sustainable development of beekeeping, from a favorable climate and clean environment to a strong scientific base and government support,” Kenzhehanuly said. Fulmer expressed readiness for long-term cooperation. His company is Hungary’s largest honey producer and exporter, with an annual capacity of up to 4,000 tons, 80% of which is exported to EU countries, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2024, Kazakhstan produced 5,000 tons of honey, with over 58% of output coming from East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Almaty, Turkestan, Abai, and Zhetysu regions. To support the sector, the government will introduce a subsidy of $0.37 per kilogram of honey sold starting in 2025. Under the 2024-2026 state development program, Kazakhstan is also funding projects aimed at the rational use of bee genetic resources and the adoption of environmentally sustainable production methods. These initiatives are expected to enhance product quality and align with EU export standards. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported that Kazakhstan is seeking to expand agricultural exports to Europe and Russia, while China has emerged as the largest importer of honey from Kyrgyzstan.

Import

China Becomes Largest Importer of Kyrgyz Honey

In the first four months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan exported 143.7 tons of honey, a 47% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. China emerged as the leading importer, purchasing 82.1 tons of Kyrgyz honey. Other major destinations included the United Arab Emirates (24.5 tons), Uzbekistan (15.1 tons), Qatar (6.3 tons), and Kuwait (4.6 tons). Meanwhile, honey imports into Kyrgyzstan have virtually ceased. Only 0.5 tons were imported in 2025, a dramatic drop from 44.8 tons the previous year. The ministry attributed this decline to robust domestic production and growing consumer confidence in local honey. EU Market Prospects Kyrgyz honey is expected to be included in the European Union’s product registry by early 2025. To gain access to the EU market, Kyrgyz authorities submitted a residue monitoring plan to the European Commission, a required step for export approval. Renowned for its flavor and health benefits, Kyrgyz honey owes its distinctive quality to the diverse herbs found in the country's mountainous regions. International Attention At EXPO 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka, Kyrgyz honey drew significant attention. Nazim Baibosunov, a representative of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Japan, noted that the product created a stir on the opening day. One incident underscored its popularity: an 83-year-old Japanese man attempted to steal a jar of Kyrgyz honey on display. According to Japanese media, this marked the first reported theft and subsequent arrest at the exhibition.