China Becomes Largest Importer of Kyrgyz Honey

In the first four months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan exported 143.7 tons of honey, a 47% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

China emerged as the leading importer, purchasing 82.1 tons of Kyrgyz honey. Other major destinations included the United Arab Emirates (24.5 tons), Uzbekistan (15.1 tons), Qatar (6.3 tons), and Kuwait (4.6 tons).

Meanwhile, honey imports into Kyrgyzstan have virtually ceased. Only 0.5 tons were imported in 2025, a dramatic drop from 44.8 tons the previous year. The ministry attributed this decline to robust domestic production and growing consumer confidence in local honey.

EU Market Prospects

Kyrgyz honey is expected to be included in the European Union’s product registry by early 2025. To gain access to the EU market, Kyrgyz authorities submitted a residue monitoring plan to the European Commission, a required step for export approval.

Renowned for its flavor and health benefits, Kyrgyz honey owes its distinctive quality to the diverse herbs found in the country’s mountainous regions.

International Attention

At EXPO 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka, Kyrgyz honey drew significant attention. Nazim Baibosunov, a representative of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Japan, noted that the product created a stir on the opening day. One incident underscored its popularity: an 83-year-old Japanese man attempted to steal a jar of Kyrgyz honey on display.

According to Japanese media, this marked the first reported theft and subsequent arrest at the exhibition.