Lower over the period
U.S. Honey Production moved from 71.01 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 60.96 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (−14.2%), an average of −1.7% a year. The series high was 73.43 Thousand Tonnes in 2016 and the low 56.85 Thousand Tonnes in 2022.
What U.S. Honey Production shows
U.S. Honey Production was 60.96 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 3.6% on 2023. The United States honey production industry experienced a declining trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting fluctuations in honeybee colony productivity, environmental conditions, and challenges within the beekeeping sector. Honey production stood at approximately 71.01 thousand tonnes in 2015, increasing to 73.43 thousand tonnes in 2016, which represented the highest production level during the period.
A 22.6% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2022) is 16.58 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −14.1% in 2021.
Ranks 8 of 27 countries covered
Among the 27 countries in this dataset, U.S. ranks 8 for 2024, behind China (444.8 Thousand Tonnes) and India (146 Thousand Tonnes). It accounts for 3.1% of the global total in 2024.
Full series
U.S. Honey Production by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 60.96 | −3.6% |
| 2023 | 63.26 | +11.3% |
| 2022 Trough | 56.85 | −1.1% |
| 2021 | 57.49 | −14.1% |
| 2020 | 66.95 | −5.9% |
| 2019 | 71.18 | +1.9% |
| 2018 | 69.86 | +3.3% |
| 2017 | 67.60 | −7.9% |
| 2016Peak | 73.43 | +3.4% |
| 2015 | 71.01 | — |
Regional context
How U.S. compares in North America
Honey Production by country, 2024, Thousand Tonnes. U.S. is highlighted.
1U.S.60.96
2Mexico57.43
3Canada35.46
4UK10.09
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Honey Production — Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities. It represents the total output of honey collected by beekeepers during a specific period and is used as a macro indicator to assess the scale, productivity, and performance of the apiculture sector. The indicator measures honey production volumes across countries and regions, helping analyze long-term production trends, agricultural contributions, and developments within the global honey industry.
Honey production includes the total quantity of natural honey obtained from commercial, small-scale, and traditional beekeeping operations. It covers honey harvested from different floral sources and produced through managed honeybee colonies, including output intended for food consumption, industrial use, and commercial markets. The indicator accounts for annual production volumes reported in tonnes or thousand tonnes, reflecting the overall performance of the honey-producing sector within a country or region.
Honey production excludes processed or value-added honey products such as flavored honey, blended honey products, and honey-based food items, as the indicator measures only raw honey output. It does not include honey imports, exports, consumption, retail sales, or market value. Other beekeeping products such as beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis are excluded, along with artificial honey substitutes and production losses occurring during processing, storage, or transportation.
About this indicator
Honey Production — Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities. It represents the total output of honey collected by beekeepers during a specific period and is used as a macro indicator to assess the scale, productivity, and performance of the apiculture sector. The indicator measures honey production volumes across countries and regions, helping analyze long-term production trends, agricultural contributions, and developments within the global honey industry.
However, production declined in subsequent years due to factors such as weather variability, colony health issues, changing agricultural landscapes, and pressures affecting commercial beekeeping operations.
From 2017 to 2019, U.S. honey production remained relatively stable, ranging between 67.60 and 71.18 thousand tonnes, indicating consistent output despite sectoral challenges. A significant decline occurred after 2020, with production falling from 66.95 thousand tonnes in 2020 to 57.49 thousand tonnes in 2021. This reduction highlighted the impact of environmental stress, bee colony losses, and operational challenges faced by honey producers. Production remained lower in 2022 at 56.85 thousand tonnes, marking the lowest level during the observed period.
The industry showed signs of recovery in 2023, with production increasing to 63.26 thousand tonnes, supported by improved beekeeping conditions and stronger colony management practices. However, output slightly declined to 60.96 thousand tonnes in 2024, suggesting continued volatility within the sector.
Overall, U.S. honey production demonstrates a mature but challenged industry characterized by high production capacity, advanced commercial beekeeping practices, and strong market demand. Future growth will depend on improving bee health management, adapting to climate-related challenges, and strengthening sustainable apiculture practices to maintain stable honey production levels. The adoption of modern hive technologies, improved disease control measures
- Indicator
- Honey Production
- Country
- U.S.
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Thousand Tonnes
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is U.S. Honey Production?
Honey production refers to the annual quantity of natural honey harvested from managed honeybee colonies through beekeeping activities. It represents the total output of honey collected by beekeepers during a specific period and is used as a macro indicator to assess the scale, productivity, and performance of the apiculture sector. The indicator measures honey production volumes across countries and regions, helping analyze long-term production trends, agricultural contributions, and developments within the global honey industry.
What was U.S. Honey Production in 2024?
U.S. Honey Production was 60.96 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 3.6% on 2023.
How has U.S. Honey Production changed between 2015 and 2024?
U.S. Honey Production moved from 71.01 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 60.96 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (−14.2%), an average of −1.7% a year. The series high was 73.43 Thousand Tonnes in 2016 and the low 56.85 Thousand Tonnes in 2022.
Which year had the highest and lowest U.S. Honey Production?
The highest value was 73.43 Thousand Tonnes in 2016 and the lowest was 56.85 Thousand Tonnes in 2022.
What does the U.S. Honey Production data include and exclude?
Included: Honey production includes the total quantity of natural honey obtained from commercial, small-scale, and traditional beekeeping operations. It covers honey harvested from different floral sources and produced through managed honeybee colonies, including output intended for food consumption, industrial use, and commercial markets. The indicator accounts for annual production volumes reported in tonnes or thousand tonnes, reflecting the overall performance of the honey-producing sector within a country or region. Excluded: Honey production excludes processed or value-added honey products such as flavored honey, blended honey products, and honey-based food items, as the indicator measures only raw honey output. It does not include honey imports, exports, consumption, retail sales, or market value. Other beekeeping products such as beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis are excluded, along with artificial honey substitutes and production losses occurring during processing, storage, or transportation.
Where does the U.S. Honey Production data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?pickerSort=asc&pickerMetric=entityName&Food=Honey&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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