Official US honey production statistics for the 2026 season are not yet published. The latest full-year data from USDA cover 2023, while FAO global data run through 2022. Industry forecasts point to modest US output gains and continued import dependence. This page compiles reported actuals and named forecasts for US and global honey output.
These numbers matter because honey pricing is supply-driven. New beekeepers who track colony health and varroa control can sell into a market that still relies heavily on imported honey. The USDA Agricultural Research Service and FAO provide the underlying data for this page.
Global output remains concentrated in China, Turkey, India, and Argentina. US imports fill the gap between domestic production and consumption. That dependence means US prices track international supply shocks, freight costs, and tariff policy. New beekeepers can reduce exposure by planning with a starter kit and building toward consistent yields, but they should not expect a single hive to offset household honey purchases quickly.
Latest US Honey Production and Price Actuals
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US honey production, 2023 | 139 million pounds, up 11% from 2022 | USDA NASS, 2024 |
| US honey yield, 2023 | 54.2 pounds per colony | USDA NASS, 2024 |
| US honey-producing colonies, 2023 | 2.71 million | USDA NASS, 2024 |
| Average farm price, 2023 | 273.0 cents per pound | USDA NASS, 2024 |
| Total value of US honey, 2023 | $379 million | USDA NASS, 2024 |
| US honey production, 2022 | 125 million pounds | USDA NASS, 2023 |
Global Honey Output, Latest Available Year
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World honey production, 2022 | About 1.8 million tonnes | FAO, 2023 |
| China, 2022 | About 472,000 tonnes | FAO, 2023 |
| India, 2022 | About 133,000 tonnes | FAO, 2023 |
| Turkey, 2022 | About 96,000 tonnes | FAO, 2023 |
| Argentina, 2022 | About 79,000 tonnes | FAO, 2023 |
| United States, 2022 | About 63,000 tonnes | FAO, 2023 |
US Honey Imports and Trade Position
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Import share of US honey supply | About 70% | USDA ERS, 2024 |
| Top US honey suppliers | India, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil, Canada | USDA FAS, 2024 |
2026 Outlook and Market Projections
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official 2026 US production | Not yet published; latest full year is 2023 | USDA NASS, 2024 |
| Global honey market value, 2023 | $9.34 billion | Fortune Business Insights |
| Global honey market value, 2030 | $14.24 billion projected | Fortune Business Insights |
| Forecast CAGR, 2023 to 2030 | 6.2% | Fortune Business Insights |
| US production direction, 2026 | Modest gains if colony health and forage conditions hold | USDA ERS, 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will official 2026 US honey production statistics be published?
USDA NASS typically releases the previous year’s honey report in March. That means 2026 production data may appear in March 2027. Until then, use the latest full-year report and USDA baseline projections.
Why does the US import so much honey?
Domestic production covers only a minority of US honey consumption. Imports fill the remainder because retail and food manufacturing demand exceeds US beekeepers’ output. The import share has been high for years.
Which countries are the largest honey producers?
China, India, Turkey, and Argentina usually lead global output. The US ranks lower by volume. The table above shows the latest FAO figures by country.
How should beekeepers use these statistics?
Use national and global figures to understand pricing and demand. But hive-level yields vary by region. For better planning, see our how much honey does one hive produce guide.
Are 2026 honey price forecasts available?
No official 2026 farm-gate price forecast exists yet. Market analysts expect modest price movement. The table above shows the most recent reported prices and market value projections.
