Ukrainian honey on world markets: exports in four months reached over 13 thousand tons

In the first four months of 2024, Ukraine exported 13.1 thousand tons of honey for a total of 28.3 million US dollars. This was reported by ProAgro Group, citing data from the State Customs Service.

Honey remains one of the important items of Ukrainian agricultural exports, especially to the countries of the European Union and the USA. In 2023, Ukraine exported 85.8 thousand tons of this product to foreign markets, which brought foreign exchange earnings of 167 million dollars.

The largest buyers of Ukrainian honey are traditionally EU countries. Among them are Germany, France, Poland, Spain and Belgium. A significant share of purchases is also provided by the United States of America, which has long remained a stable importer of Ukrainian beekeeping products.

However, from the beginning of 2025, Ukrainian honey exporters may face new restrictions. According to the decision of the European Commission, an import quota for Ukrainian honey in the amount of 18.5 thousand tons will be established for the period from January to May 2025. This is part of the temporary transitional measures introduced in connection with the gradual termination of the autonomous trade preferences for Ukrainian agricultural products.

We remind you that from June 5, 2025, the so-called "trade visa-free regime", which allowed duty-free export of agricultural products from Ukraine to the EU, will cease to operate. After that, there will be a phased return to the quota system in accordance with the terms of the trade part of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

These changes may complicate the conditions for Ukrainian beekeepers and honey exporters, since quotas significantly limit the possibility of duty-free sales of products. At the same time, experts are calling on the government to intensify negotiations with the European Commission on updating trade conditions in order to protect the positions of Ukrainian producers in the European market.