Beijing (TDI): In the first four months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan exported 143.7 tons of honey, a 47 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.
China emerged as the leading buyer, importing 82.1 tons of Kyrgyz honey. Other major destinations included the UAE (24.5 tons), Uzbekistan (15.1 tons), Qatar (6.3 tons), and Kuwait (4.6 tons).
In the meantime, honey imports into Kyrgyzstan have virtually ceased. Only 0.5 tons were imported this year, a dramatic drop from 44.8 tons the last year.
The ministry attributed this drop to enhanced domestic production and boosting consumer confidence in local honey.
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Kyrgyz honey is likely to be added to the European Union’s (EU) product registry this year. To secure access to the EU market, Kyrgyz officials have submitted a residue monitoring plan to the European Commission, an essential step for export clearance.
Celebrated for its taste and health benefits, Kyrgyz honey drives its unique quality from the rich variety of herbs growing in the country’s mountainous regions.
At EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Kyrgyz honey captured significant attention. According to Nazim Baibosunov, a representative of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Japan, it caused quite a buzz on the opening day.
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One incident highlighted its popularity: an 83-year-old Japanese man attempted to steal a jar of Kyrgyz honey on display, according to The Times of Central Asia.
This marked the first reported theft and subsequent arrest at the exhibition, according to Japanese media.
