How much honey is imported into Europe?
European imports rising in volume
Europe is the second largest global producer of honey. However, it is not self-sufficient and is dependent on honey imports from other countries. In fact, around 40% of Europe’s consumption needs are met through honey imports.
European imports of honey increased considerably between 2011 and 2015, amounting to more than 339,000 tonnes in 2015.
The continuous increase of European honey imports is mostly attributed to the substantial decrease of the European beekeeping sector, but is also the result of various problems related to major honey sources in previous years, such as droughts.
Germany is the largest honey importer, representing a share of 26% of the total volume of European imports, amounting to more than 88,000 tonnes in 2015.
The UK (12% of total imports), France (10%), Belgium (10%) and Spain (9%) are the other main European importers. Honey importers in these countries process the honey and sell it both domestically and abroad.
In the next five years, honey imports are expected to increase further in order to compensate for the continuous decline of the European production.
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