In 2023, it was a challenging year for China’s bee product industry. Influenced by various adverse factors such as reduced demand and declining consumption caused by the global economic downturn, China’s annual foreign trade volume and prices of bee products both declined. The decrease amounted to 9.3%, marking an uncommon occurrence in recent years.
The Secretariat of the Bee Products Branch of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA) has conducted extensive analysis of international and domestic trade situations based on a large collection of domestic and foreign honey trade data. We hereby share the following strategies for coping with the current situation, for industry reference.
Overview of International Honey Trade:
In recent years, the global bee population has been maintained at over 90 million colonies, with an annual total production of approximately 1.8 million tons. The annual trade volume is around 700,000 tons. Honey meets the demand for a natural, healthy lifestyle, leading to a long-term growth trend in the international honey market.
The International Status and Situation of Chinese Bee Products
The International Status and Situation of Chinese Bee Products:
China has always been the world’s largest beekeeping nation:
1.The annual honey production is approximately 450,000 tons, accounting for about one-fourth of the global total production. The export volume is around 120,000 tons, representing about one-fifth of the global trade volume;
2.The annual royal jelly production is approximately 3,000 tons, with exports totaling around 1,300 tons. Both production and export volumes account for over 90% of the global total;
3.The total production of bee pollen ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 tons, with an export volume of approximately 2,500 tons. China is a major exporting country of bee pollen;
4.The annual export of beeswax is around 9,000 tons, accounting for approximately 45% of the global trade volume.
China is not a strong player in the beekeeping industry, with relatively low trade influence and limited competitiveness in its products.
1.There are many technical barriers to trade in Chinese bee products;
2.Severe trade situation;
3.Vicious competition makes it difficult to achieve high-quality and high-value exports.
The Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Africa have emerged as new markets for China’s honey trade. However, competition among exporting countries is intensifying, with emerging exporters such as Ukraine, India, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia gaining market share.
In response to the aforementioned challenges, CFNA proposes the following strategies:
(1) Establishing the Image of Chinese Honey and Creating Distinctive Features:
1.China’s vast landmass and abundant flora provide rich sources of bee pollen.
2.China has the capability to produce high-quality honey.
3.The overall quality of Chinese honey is steadily improving.
(2) Building the Character and Brand of Chinese Honey:
1.China possesses diverse natural conditions and production capabilities for various monofloral honeys.
2.Explore and promote the quality characteristics of monofloral honey, including its functionality and flavor.
3.Strengthen the construction of production bases, promote outstanding enterprises, and cultivate Chinese brands.
4.Implement product quality grading, resist malicious competition, and advocate for quality-based pricing.
The source from< The Chinese Bee Product Industry Conference>
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