A MARKET REPORT ON

NATURAL HONEY IN
MALAYSIA

'<*>

July, 1980 Industrial Studies & Surveys Division

 A MARKET REPORT ON NATURAL HONEY
IN FENINSUUB MAUYSIA

USiis report is intended for

promotion of this idea. The
figures presented here are
indicative and in order to
formulate more definite
conclusions, a detailed
stu<% needs to be carried out

July, 1980 Industrial Studies & Surveys Division

Access. No.

Class No.
A Market Report on Natural Honey
SUMMARY Page
1. Introduction 1
1.1 Product Description . x
1.2 Uses of Honey X
2* Existing Status of Natural Honey Production 2
in Peninsular Malaysia
3. Markets and Marketing of Natural Honey 3
3*1 Local Market for Natural Honey 3
3.1.1 Imports of Natural Honey k
3-1*2 Exports of Natural Honey 5
3«1«3 Local Demand for Natural Honey 7
3*1»4 Prices of Natural Honey 8
3-1.5 Marketing Channels for Natural Honey 9
3.1.6 Competition 10
3.1.7 Quality of Natural Honey 10
3.2 IVorld Production, Supply and Demand for Natural Honey 11
3.2.1 World Production 11
3.2.2 World Exports (Supply) of Honey 13
3.2.3 World Imports (Demand) for Honey 14
4. Prospects for Natural Honey 17
4.1 Factors Favouring the Establishments of Honey 17
Industries
4.2 Factors Affecting World Honey Production and Supply 18
5. Conclusions 18
 SUMMARY

Honey is a sweet viscous liquid produced by honeybees

from nectar of plants. It has several used such as in food,
medicine and cosmetic. In Peninsular Malaysia, beekeeping industry
is still in an infant stage. It is mainly undertaken by farmers
as a part-time business. Local demand for honey is largely met by
imports from Australia, China and the United States, Imports of
honey increased yearly at an average of 33*2$ from 197^ - 19?8»
The price of local honey is determined by the type, quality and
supply and it ie important that locally-produced honey is pure,
clean and uniform in appearance in order to compete with imported
honey. Local honey competes also with artificial honey, syrup and
jam. World major producers of honey are the United States, Mexico
and China. However, in terms of production exported Mexico,
Argentina, China and Australia are the major exporters. The major
importers of honey are West Germany, the United States, Japan and
the United Kingdom. «'orld production of honey was 665,000 metric
tons in 1976, however, only 2^.9$ of it entered the international
market. Since 1970, it was reported that there was a shortage as
v/orld supply did not expand correspondingly with world demand. In
view of the world shortage and potential demand for honey in Peninsular
Malaysia it is possible that the honey industry in Peninsular Malaysia
could be developed further.
 A Market Heport on Natural Honey

1. Introduction
1.1 Produc-l; Description
Honey is a sweet viscous liquid produced by
honeybees from nectar of the plants. The nectar is ripened
into honey by the inversion of sucrose sugar of nectar into
levuloee (fructose) ana dextrose (glucose) and by the removal
of excess moisture. The honey is then stored in honey comb.

Honey contains rnainly sucrose sugar and other

substances that occur in minute amounts such as minerals and
aminc acids; vitamins; proteins and related compounds, aroma
and flavour substances, enzymes &nd other trace substances.
It is learnt that honey varies in composition of the above
substances according to the floral source, environmental
conditions (chiefly relative humidity), ripeness when
extracted, methods used in processing and conditions of
storage* The composition of these substances will certainly
have an effect on the quality of the product.

1.2 tJsee of Honey

Honey had been used as a food item in the olden
days as an available source of sugar. But today honey is
commonly used to sweeten and give special flavour to food
such as breakfast cereals, fruits, candies and baked focd.
It had been reported in the Encyclopaedia Britannica that
the tendency of honey to absorb mositure offers slight
problems to candies; but to baked food, this hygroscopic
property of the honey causes these food to absorb and
 retain moisture for a long time* As a result, thousands
of pounds of honey are being used annually in making breads
and cookies (biscuits). Honey has also been used in ice
cream manufacture to replace all or a part of the sugar.
Honey has medicinal virtues* For example, some physicians
have recommended honey with milk for feeding infants,
especially those suffering from rickets, scurvy, malnutrition,
anemia, inflammation of the intestines and the effects of
prematurity. Honey provides an extended source of energy to
the athletes and others who are engaged in strenous physical
labour. It is interesting that honey is further used as a
facial pack in the beauty parlour, in hand lotions, in
curing pipe bowls, in cigarettes, chewing tobacco and gums,
as a spray adherent and as a preservative for eggs in cold
storage.

2. Existing Status of Natural Honey Production

in Peninsular Malaysia
In Peninsular Malaysia, beekeeping for obtaining honey
can be considered to be in its infant stage. At present, honey
is obtained from small-scale beekeepers and from skilled honey
collectors who hunt for beehives from place to place. It has
been reported on a "Malaysia*! Panorama" article that beekeeping
is generally being carried out by farmers as a part-time business
in rural areas and the honey obtained is mainly for their private
consumption. The report further added that beekeeping is a viable
and profitable business, and as such many farmers had indicated
interest to go on a commercial scale. As beekeeping can contribute
to the country in the diversification of its labour and economy,
as well as augment the income of the farmers, a move to raise
beekeeping will fall in line with the Malaysiafs New Economic
 Policy which is geared specially towards eradication of poverty
in the country and raising of standard of living in the rural
sectors. On the basis of the above, honey production appears to
hold a great potential to become a viable industry.

Beekeeping is an art of caring for and manipulating the

colonies of honeybees (Apis Species) so that they will produce and
store a quantity of honey above their own requirements. Bees are
considered not harmful creatures provided that they are handled
tactfully. Bees are easy to domesticate and no special skills
are required, except that a sound knowledge about their habits and
nature is required. In practice keen observation and attention
to details are necessary* For example, it is important to produce
queen bees vigorously at all times, so that the rate of egg laying
enablee old queen bees to be replaced after one or two years.
Another example is to gather the honey by using smoke to drive
away or drug the bees instead of burning the beehives. In this
way, the bee colonies can return and start honey production afresh.
In general, beekeeping management is rather simple. On this basic,
it is reported that the district of Bentong in Pahang and the
district of Lower Perak in Perak are the two leading honey
producing states. It is expected that these two states will
increase their honey production as more farmers take keen interest
in beekeeping.

3, Markets and Marketing, of Natural Honey

3.1 Local Market for Natural Honey
3.1.1 Imports of Natural Honey
The imports of natural honey for Peninsular
Malaysia for the period 197^ - 1978 are shown in
Table 1 below:-
 Table 1

Import of Natural Honey into Peninsular Malaysia

(SITC 061600)

(Qty.: in Ibs.; Value in

1974 1975 1976 1977 1978

Qty. Value Qty. Value Qty. Value Qty. Value Qty. Value

Australia 126,374 185,595 92,303 128,675 165,357 241,363 354,056 614,303 ^8,843 910,457
China 227, 44C 282,977 149,666 158,301 211,578 221,56? 531,914 503,148 297,237 329,056

U.S. 9,671 17,539 3,720 7,870 14(88o 23i959 1,440 3,908 1,485 3,791
Others 15,799 12,637 966 1,938 2,657 5,725 10,800 16,397 14,288 17,462

Total 379,284 498,748 246,655 296,784 394,472 492,614 898,210 1,137,756 721,853 1,260,766
- i j

Source: Department of Statistics, Kuala Lumpur.

 From the above Table, it is seen that
the quantity of imports of natural honey into
peninsular Malaysia had generally been on the
upward trend, increasing at an average rate of
33.2$ per annum over the period 197^ - 19?S.
It is noted that 1977 was the peak year during
xvhich Peninsular Malaysia had imported mere than
850,000 Ibs. of natural honey valued at about
$1.1 million. The substantial increase in the 1977
imports was du& to the increase in imports from
Australia and China. The above Table shows that
Australia and China are the most important suppliers
of natural honey, followed by the United States.
Other countries also supply natural honey, but in
small quantities individually. These countries, for
example, are Formosa, Thailand, Indonesia and Indi-.

3.1.2 Exports of Natural Honey

The total exports of natural honey from

Peninsular Malaysia arc shown in the Table below:-
 6 -

Table 2

Total Exports of Natural Honey From

Peninaular Malaysia (SITC 061600)

(Qty.: in Ibs.; Value in ft)

197^ 1975 i 1976 1977 1978

Countries
Qty, Val. Qty. Val. Qty. Val. Qty. Val. Qty. Val.

Pong Kong _ _ 211 971 250 1,733 986 3,862 _

Sfcb-ah - - - - 415 1,776 735 2,701 _
Philippines •* 187 787
" ^
Singapore 1,815 2,491 2,646 3,582 6,084 10,583
Others 3^3 1,5*5 698 1,078 - - - - - -

Total Exports 3*3 1,5*5 909 2,049 2,66? 6,787 *,36? 10,145 6,084 10,583
Ho -Exports 331 1,*51 26 80 - _ 2,646 3,582 5,376; 9,576

Source: Department of Statistics, Kuala Lumpur,

The above Table shows that total export of

natural honey had generally be on the increase for the
period 197* - 1978. Export markets of natural honey
were mainly Singapore, Hong Kong and Sabah during the
period 197^ - 1978, The Table shows that there appwrxs
good potential for exports of natural honey to Singapore,
Hong Kong and Sabah. It is noted that re-exports were
exceptionally
3.1*3 Local Demand for Natural Honey
4s there is no official statistics on the
local demand for natural honey, such demand has to
be estimated. It is noted that local production of
natural honey is small and generally for private
household consumption, the estimated local demand
for natural honey therefore needs to be derived from
the imports and exports of natural honey, as shown
in the Table below;-

Table 3
Apparent Consumption of Natural Honey
___in Peninsular Malaysia______

(Qty.: in Ibs.)

Year Total Total Apparent ..

Imports Exports Consumption^

1974 379,284 343 378,941

1975 246,6^5 909 245,746
1976 394,472 2,667 391,805
1977 898,219 4,367 893,843
1978 721,853 6,084 715,769

I/ Apparent consumption is equivalent to total

imports minus total exports, since there is
negligible local production of natural honey.
Source: Department of Statistics, Kuala Lumpur.

From the above Table, it can be noted that

Peninsular Malaysia is a net importer of natural honey,
and net imports, which are indicative for the local
demand for natural honey, having been increasing over
the yoars* As natural honey has several uses,
particularly the use for medicinal and naturitional
virtues, the potential local demand natural honey
can be great in the later years once more consumers
become aware of the virtues of natural honey. Furtlu r-
more, natural honey can be better substitutes to
artificial honey syrups and concentrates*

Price of Natural Honey

The price of local honey in the local market
is determined by the type, quality ar,d supply. When
the supply is in abundance the price is reduced
considerably. It is usually packed in a bottle/jar.
The retail price is generally between S6.00 - £10,GC
for a pint.

On the other hand, honey imported from

Australia, United States, New Zealand and China is
priced between &2.00 - $6.00 per bottle.

Import prices of honey are influenced by &

number of factors ae follows:-

(i) Production conditions and domestic

demand in exporting countries;
(ii) Production conditions and nature of
demand in importing countries;
(iii) Quality and type of honey available
for export;
(iv) Availability of competitive products
and prevailing market prices of such
substitute.
 9 -

Marketing Channel for Natural Honey

There is no organised marketing channel for
local natural honey. Locally produced honey is generally
sold by beekeepers direct to retailers or consumer.
However, imported natural honey generally follow a
distribution pattern as shown in a simplified diagram
below;-

Ove rsea
Pro ducei'S '

4'
Agent/ Agent/
I !
Importer Importer j
^._ „, , 1
1
bulk honey bottle lioney
1 i ii
i

Industrial - j , .. ,;, Wholesaler/ j

User Setailer j
i
i
Jr

Consumer :
•w_ '

Agents/Importers normally have a very

sound knowledge of prevailing market conditions.
Kius they are able to follow market development in
order to exploit market possibilities to the benefit
of the supplier and the buyer. Agents/Importers
deal mainly in bulk honey. Tboy supply bulk honey
to industrial users. Bulk honey is also sole direct
 10

to industrial users from the overseas producer-

Agents/Iraporters also sell bottled honey to wholo-
salers or retailers. Bottled honey is also imported
direct from the overseas producers by the wholesolera
or retailers before it reaches the consumers.

3.1.6 Competition
Local honey competes with imported honey and
with other substitutes such as artificial honey, syrups,
jams, jellies and preserves. For consumers who are very
price conscious and who regard honey as merely another
spread, without being aware of its nutritional values
as natural health food, they would prefer the substitutes
mentioned above. On the other hand, consumers who are
willing tc pay higher prices for honey, are less likely
to accept these substitutes. For industrial uses the
major substitutes for industrial honey are sugar, invert
sugar syrup, corn syrup, and isomerized honey. It is •/,
hi$i fructose corn syrup which is cheap and almost
perfect substitute for honey, especially in products
in which flavour is unimportant. In the U.S. there is
a trend among food processors to use small quantities
of honey in their end-products in order to include the
word 'honey1 among the ingredients listed on th-- lr-.col.

3*1.7 Quality of Natural Honey

The quality of natural honey varies froc-
country to country but the usual criteria for the
determination of quality required by consumers are
as follows:-
 LKPM

11

(a) pure (without adulteration)

(b) clean i.e. free from filth and
foreign matters
(c) uniform in appearance

In this country, locally produced honey

is produced in small quantities and therefore is no
quality control over the product by the producers.
It is important for local producers to meet the above
quality criteria in order to compete with imported
honey. Should local producers go on commercial
production, and for export it is important to ensure
that the honey conforms to the honey legislation or
food regulation of the country of destination.

3ȣ World Production and Market for Natural Honey

3-2.1 «or3ld Production
World production of natural honey had been
estimated by the U.S. Foreign Agriculture to be more
than 590,000 metric tons each year since 197^ but FAO
had estimated it to be more than 800,000 metric tonnes
but FAO had admitted that this estimate is only
indicative. 'The world production of natural honey
for the period 197** - 1977 is shown in the Table
below:-
 - 12 -

Table 4
World Production and Honey by Regions,
. _ 3,974 - 1977

('000 metric tons)

Hegions Average 1974 1976

1968-1973 1975 1977

North & Central America 164.6 160.0 162.0 173-9 168.3

South America 44.3, 49.9 48.2 54.1 44.5
Western Europe a/ 61.6 64.4 55.6 85-7 63.9
Eastern Europe b/ 47.6 51.4 44.8 49.2 52.0
Africa 53-7 59.9 61.0 64.3 64.4
Asia c/ 93.1 106.6 117.1 119.5 128.7
Oceania 24,3 26.2 27.4 28.6 25.4
USSR 70.0 79.0 76.1 90.0 95.0

World Total 559.0 597.4 592.2 665.3 642.2

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Foreign Agriculture Circular, October, 1977
a/ - c/ Excluded USSB

From the above table, it is seen that North

& Central America, Asia and USSR regions are the
leading producing regions of natural honey in the
world. In 1977* the North & Central America region,
United States and Mexico are the most important
producers, producing 27.9$ and 50.8$ respectively,
of the total production in the region, and in Asian
region, China and Turkey produced 50.5$ and 15.5^'
respectively. T&e details of other countries producing
 13

natural honey are given in Appendix I.

3.2.2 World Exports (Supply) of Honey

World exports of natural honey indicates
the available supplied of natural honey in the
international markets. These world exports are
shown in the Table below: -

Table
Exports of Natural Honey
by Regions, 1974-1976

1 i
Average 1974 1976
1968-1972 1975
Regions
% of % of % of % of
Total Pro- Total Pro- Total Pro- Total Pro-
duction duct ion j duction duction
Exported Exported Exported Exported

Korth Central 24.1 46,214 28.5

America 41,762 25.* 33,835 64,791 37-3
South America 17,170 38.9 15,760 31.6 27.679 57.* 36,552j 67.6
T
uSSS 3,7*0 5.3 7,400 9.4 4,376 5.8 4,000; 4.4
".Aircpe a/ 22,671 20.8 23,584 20.4 28,275 28.2 27,374! 23- £
Asia b/ 17,850 19.0 12,862 12.0 17,652 16.0 20,429| 17.0
Oceania c/ 8,091 33.3 5,739 21.9 10,164 37-1 12,457 . 4>.6
i >»• I... '- ,
!
•,'iorid Total 111,284 19.9 99,180 16.6 13*, 360 22.7 i 165,603 24-9
.
C/ & b/ Excludes USSR
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
"Foreign Agriculture Circular",
Oct, 1977.
 In 1976, though the estimated world
production of natural honey was 665iOOO metric tons,
it is noted that only 2^.9^ of it entered the inter-
national markets. It had been noted that North &
Central America, Asia and USSR had been leading
producing regions, but in terms of percentage of
exports, only 37-3&1 17&» ^»k% of their production
respectively entered the international trade. The
leading countries that export substantial quantities
of their honey are Mexico, Argentina, China and
Australia as given in Appendix II, Although China
and Australia are the leading exporters but they
export oaly 37«1$ and 53-5$ of their production
respectively as shown in Appendix III* It had been
reported by the International Trade Centre that the
proportion of production exported as a whole and by
each region depends not only on world demand but also
on such factors as local demand, the quality of the
honey, market knowledge and marketing experience.

3.2.3 World Imports (Demand) for Honey

World imports of honey indicates the aggregate
demand for natural honey by international markets.
These world imports are shown in the Table below:-
 15

Table 6

Imports of Natural Honey by Specified

Countries -^ 1974 - 1976____

(Qty.: metric torus)

1

Countries Average 1974 1976^

1968-1972 1975

Uest Germany 45,482 42,251 50,761 50,078

United States 8,246 11,793 21,038 30,120
Japan 15,470 14,925 18,091 23,7^9
United Kingdom 16,771 10,272 17,479 13,693
Netherlands 2,999 3,205 4,358 5,818 '
France 4,960 3,264 5,771 5,618
Switzerland 3,725 5,134 4,241 '+,707
Austria 3,102 3,517 3,473 4,131
Belgium & Luxemborg 2,291 2,463 3,183 4,131
n/
Others^ 5,511 5,653 7,202 9.W

Total 108,557 102,477 135,597 151,183

• i i

a/ Countries which import more than

2,000 metric tons honey.
b/ Preliminary figures.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
'Foreign Agricultural Circular1
Oct., 1977.
 From the table it is seen that there is a
considerable increase in the world demand for natural
honey as shown by the world imports. Although there
is a considerable world production of natural honey,
but the increase in world exports from producing
countries are not able to meet the increase in world
demand. The International Trade Centre reported that
the expansion in world demand has not been followed by
a corresponding expansion in supply, and there was in
fact been a shortage of honey since 1970. The
International Trade Centre added that high prices have
not led to significant slacking in demand, especially
in the major importing countries, although demand for
industrial honey has dropped in some markets, for
instance, the United States and the Nettherlands.

The above table also shows that West Germany,

the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom are
the leading importers are also the industrialised
countries. It is reported that high increases in
world demand in the later years can bo expected on the
basis of the following factors, naraely:-

(i) high living standards in

industrialised countries;
(ii) greater consumer interest in
natural and health food products;
(iii) the emergence of new importing
countries e.g. Japan which was
previously a net exporter of
honey;
 1?

(iv) more aggressive marketing policies

on the part of packers and retail
organizations in some major markets,

Prospects for Natural Honey

Factors ftyourjjfte the^Jtetablishment of. Honey
Industries in Peaiastilar Malaysia
The following factors favour the establishment of
honey industries in Peninsular Malaysia.

(i) Peninsular Malaysia has extremely rich

floral life which can support large
number of bee colonies.
(ii) Being a non-perishable commodity honey
is easy to store.
(iii) Expansion in bakeries and biscuit manu-
facturing give rise to great market
potential for high quality honey.
(iv) Honey production requires very low
investment, mainly for the wooden boxes
that shelter beehives,

(v) Honey production requires little labour

and maintenance.

On the basis of the above factors, it is possible

the honey industry can be developed in the future as a
small-scale industry.
 18

Factors Affecting World Hoaey Production and Supply

factors affecting world honey production and
supply are as follows i-

(i) Most of tho honey currently produced is

of a quality and flavour unsuited for
export.
(ii) There are problems of collection, transport
and storage*
(iii) Hiere is a shortage of trained beekeeping
management and personnel.
(iv) There is insufficient knowledge of markets
and insufficient marketing training and
experience.
(v) Facilities for extraction and processing of
honey are generally inadequate.
(vi) Although substantial amounts of honey has been
produced, a large proportion of it is concumod
locally. Only a relatively small proportion of
the honey is exported.

On the basis of the above factors, it is expected ther-.

would still be an enormous export potential for natural hcnoy
in the future*

Conclusion
1. The honey industry in this country is still under- developed
but there is a great potential for the development of small-
scale industry. Each year Peninsular Malaysia imports sub-
stantial quantities of natural honey amounting to more than
 19 -

SI million since 1977? and the apparent consumption of

this product is noted to be increasing ever the period
1974 - 1978. This represents a potential for import-
substitution and the development of this small-scale
industry would supplement farmers income and raise it to
a higher standard of living.

2. However, it is important for honey producers to observe

the quality of the product, especially local producers need
to compete with the imported natural honey and with artificial
honey. Given the ri$it quality of the product, and the right
price together with effective marketing promotional strategy
it is possible for local producers to penetrate into the
local market.

3. World production of honey is substantial amounting to more

than 590,000 metric tons each year since 197*U However, it
is noted that comparatively very small proportion of the
production is exported by these producers into the inter-
national market. It is reported by the International Trade
Centre that a shortage/shortfall for honey will continue to
occur as world demand exceeds world supply. On this basis,
one will expect that the prospect for honey in the inter-
national trade scene is good, given the condition that
exports of honey meet the required quality by the inter-
national markets.

*f. From the above view point, it is possible for local producers
to expand the honey industry to meet local demand, and later
to explore the international markets.
 Appendix I

Production in Specified Countries

(Average 1968-72, Annual 1974-1977)

(Quantity in '000 metric tons)

Ss^ior, & Country Average
1968 - 1972 1974 1975 1976 1977
North America
Gs.n£i.cia, 21.8 20.8 21.1 25.4 22.0
Mexico 33.C 42.0 38.0 44.0 47.0
U.S. 99.0 84.0 89.1 90.6 85.5
Others 9.9 13.2 13.8 13.9 13.3

Total 164.6 160.0 162.0 173.9 168.3

South America
>irgentina 19.8 27.0 23.6 28,0 18.2
Colombia 9.0 9.7 10.0 10.2 10.5
Brazil 7.0 4.1 5.0 5.5 5.5
Chile 6.3 6.4 6.9 7.5 $.0
Others 2.0 2.7 2.7 2.9 2.3
Total 44.1 49.9 48.2 54.1 44.5

Western Europe
g;eet Germany 14.4 16.5 8.8 22.0 16.0
jJVancs 10.2 9.7 9.0 20.0 5.5
opain 9.2 9.5 10.5 11.0 12.0
Oth ars 27.8 28.7 27.3 32.7 30.4
Total 61.6 64.4 55.6 85.7 63.9
Eastern Europe
Poland 9.0 10.9 7.4 9.6 10.0
Romania 7-7 8.6 9.2 9.8 10.0
ilungary 7.0 8,6 7.8 7.6 8.0
Others 23-9 23.3 20.4 22.2 24.0

Total 47.6 51.4 44.8 49.2 52.0

 Region & Company Average 1974 1976
1968-1972 1975 1977 j

Africa !

Ethiopia 17-5 18.8 19.2 19.4 18.5

Malagasy Republic 10.1 11.0 11.2 11.4 11.5
Tanzania 7.5 6.2 7.1 7.5 8.0
Others 18.6 23.9 23.5 26.0 26.4
Total 53.7 59.9 61.0 64.3 64.4
——————
Asia
!
•China, f.R. of 45,0 50.0 60.0 55.0 65.0
Turkey 14. ^ 17.2 17.1 19.0 20.0
! India 10,0 13-0 14.0 18.0 17.0
Others 33-7 26.4 26,0 27.5 26.7
Total 93.1 106.6 117.1 119.5 128.7
! Oc's-unia
•iuetralic 18.9 21.2 20.6 21.4 17.9
New Zealand 5.^ 5.0 6.8 7.2 7.5

?ot; a 24.3 26.2 27.4 28.6 25.4

IPSR 70.0 79.0 76.1 90.0 95.0

!
t*orltl Total 559-0 597.4 592.2 665.3 642.2

Source: US Department of Agriculture

Foreign Agriculture Circular, October,1977
 Appendix II

Honey: imports by Specified Countries

(Qty: In Metric tofc)

Countries «*• ^ Percentage 1974 Percentage Per c en tag 3 1976 Par cent a $
of Kxport of Export 1975 of Export of &xporl
,
1
Mexico 25,484 22.9 22,168 22.4 30,097 22.4 47,837 28.9
;
-irgantina 16,447 14.8 14,452 14.6 22,639 16.8 30,352 18.3
China, Peoples ^^
Kep. 16 12,862 12.9 17,652 20,429 12.4
Australia 7,147 6.4 4,713 4.8 9,610 7.2 11,457 7
rlui^ry 5,200 4.7 5,474 5.5 7,888 5-9 7,503 4.5
opain i 4.7O2 4.2 6,311 6,4 5,695 4.2 6,000 3.6
&:iiada 5,167 4.5 3,171 3.2 4,702 3.5 4,743 2.9
'U.*.i;.a. 3,740 3.4 7,400 7.4 4,376 3.3 4,000 2.4
.tonfii-a* 3,851 3.5 3,632 • 3.2 4,517 3.4 2,489 1.5
J * i» • j? , 42o 3.1 2,073 2 1,810 1.4 2,125 1.3
Others ! 18,268 16.5 16,924 17.1 25,374 18.8 28,459 17.2
I-ot.'il 111,284 100 99,180 100 134,360 100 "165,603 100

Source: US Department of Agriculture Foroign

^agriculture Circular1 October, 1977
 Appendix III

Honey: Report by Specified Countries in

1
_________1976_____________

(Qty: la Metric tons)

Countries Production iibcport Percentage of '
Production %ported

fiexicc 44,000 ^7,837 a/ 108.7

*jrgentina 28,000 >0,352 a/ 108.4
Hungry- 7,600 7,508 98.8
Spain 11,000 6,000 54.5
-^ustralia 21, to) 11,457 53.5
China, People's H«p. 55,000 20,429 37.1
jricnania 9,800 2,489 25.4
Canada 25,400 4,74^ 18.7
U.S.S.R. 90,000 4,000 4.4
U.S. 90,600 2,129 2.4
Others b/ 282,500 28,459 10.1

! ToteJ. 665,300 165,603 24.9

These figures are very odd because exports are greater

than production.
b/ Includes countries such as West Germany, France, ITurky,
Colmabie that export in very small quantities.