Beeswax production refers to the annual production output of beeswax, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level beeswax production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period.
South America Beeswax Production was 9.21 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 0.1% on 2023. South America Beeswax Production from 2015 to 2024 highlights regional production trends, output performance, and key developments in the continent's apiculture industry. Beeswax production represents the annual quantity of beeswax obtained from managed honeybee colonies through commercial and agricultural beekeeping activities.
South America Beeswax Production moved from 8.70 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 9.21 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+5.8%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 9.22 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the low 8.70 Thousand Tonnes in 2015.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2015) is 0.512 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +1.3% in 2020.
Within South America, Argentina has the highest value in 2024 at 5.21 Thousand Tonnes, 56.6% of the regional total.
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By region
Thousand Tonnes, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9.21 | −0.1% |
| 2023Peak | 9.22 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | 9.16 | +0.2% |
| 2021 | 9.14 | +0.9% |
| 2020 | 9.05 | +1.3% |
| 2019 | 8.94 | +0.6% |
| 2018 | 8.89 | +0.6% |
| 2017 | 8.83 | +0.5% |
| 2016 | 8.79 | +0.9% |
| 2015 Trough | 8.70 | — |
Data definition
Beeswax Production — Beeswax production refers to the annual production output of beeswax, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level beeswax production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period. It represents the quantity of beeswax harvested or produced from beekeeping activities within a country under the relevant apiculture and livestock product classification. Statistics are compiled from international agricultural databases and national agricultural reporting systems, including sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and official country data where available. The figures represent total beeswax production within the selected country and may include beeswax obtained from managed honeybee colonies and reported under the overall beeswax product category.
The data includes harvested beeswax production from apiculture activities for commercial and agricultural purposes. It covers beeswax produced within the selected country and includes beeswax obtained from honeybee colonies, hive management, and related beekeeping operations. The statistics account for annual beeswax output and provide country-level production estimates across the selected time period. Data may incorporate official national reporting, beekeeping surveys, agricultural statistics, and international estimates where direct reporting is unavailable.
The data excludes production of honey, other bee products, agricultural commodities, and wax products not classified as beeswax. It does not measure beeswax exports, imports, domestic consumption, processing volumes, inventory levels, market prices, trade value, or economic contribution of the beeswax industry. Differences may occur between sources due to variations in beekeeping practices, data collection methods, estimation techniques, reporting systems, colony population assessments, production efficiency, and seasonal factors affecting bee activity and wax harvesting.
Beeswax Production — Beeswax production refers to the annual production output of beeswax, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level beeswax production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period. It represents the quantity of beeswax harvested or produced from beekeeping activities within a country under the relevant apiculture and livestock product classification. Statistics are compiled from international agricultural databases and national agricultural reporting systems, including sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and official country data where available. The figures represent total beeswax production within the selected country and may include beeswax obtained from managed honeybee colonies and reported under the overall beeswax product category.
Measured in thousand tonnes, the indicator provides a regional overview of beeswax production and reflects South America's contribution to the global natural beeswax market.
Between 2015 and 2024, South America's beeswax production showed a generally stable upward trend, increasing from approximately 4.91 thousand tonnes in 2015 to 5.21 thousand tonnes in 2024. Although minor year-to-year fluctuations occurred, the overall production trend indicates steady growth supported by expanding beekeeping activities, improved hive management, and increasing demand for beeswax across various industries. The region's favorable climate, rich biodiversity, and abundant flowering vegetation continue to support healthy honeybee populations and sustainable beeswax production.
Brazil remained the largest producer within the region during the period, while Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay also contributed significantly to total regional output. Production levels are influenced by factors such as colony health, flowering seasons, weather conditions, disease management, and the adoption of modern beekeeping practices. Continued investment in apiculture and sustainable hive management has helped maintain stable production across South America.
The indicator includes beeswax produced through domestic apiculture activities and reported under the beeswax product classification. It excludes honey production, other bee-derived products, international trade, domestic consumption, processing activities, inventory levels, market prices, and economic value. Variations in reported production may occur due to differences in national reporting systems, estimation methods, and seasonal environmental conditions.
Overall, South America's beeswax production reflects a stable and developing apiculture sector, supporting agricultural livelihoods while supplying natural beeswax for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, candles, food processing, and other industrial applications.
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Beeswax production refers to the annual production output of beeswax, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level beeswax production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period. It represents the quantity of beeswax harvested or produced from beekeeping activities within a country under the relevant apiculture and livestock product classification. Statistics are compiled from international agricultural databases and national agricultural reporting systems, including sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and official country data where available. The figures represent total beeswax production within the selected country and may include beeswax obtained from managed honeybee colonies and reported under the overall beeswax product category.
South America Beeswax Production was 9.21 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 0.1% on 2023.
South America Beeswax Production moved from 8.70 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 9.21 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+5.8%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 9.22 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the low 8.70 Thousand Tonnes in 2015.
The highest value was 9.22 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 8.70 Thousand Tonnes in 2015.
Included: The data includes harvested beeswax production from apiculture activities for commercial and agricultural purposes. It covers beeswax produced within the selected country and includes beeswax obtained from honeybee colonies, hive management, and related beekeeping operations. The statistics account for annual beeswax output and provide country-level production estimates across the selected time period. Data may incorporate official national reporting, beekeeping surveys, agricultural statistics, and international estimates where direct reporting is unavailable. Excluded: The data excludes production of honey, other bee products, agricultural commodities, and wax products not classified as beeswax. It does not measure beeswax exports, imports, domestic consumption, processing volumes, inventory levels, market prices, trade value, or economic contribution of the beeswax industry. Differences may occur between sources due to variations in beekeeping practices, data collection methods, estimation techniques, reporting systems, colony population assessments, production efficiency, and seasonal factors affecting bee activity and wax harvesting.
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&Food=Beeswax&Metric=Production&Per+capita=false&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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