[Objectives]  To systematically evaluate the import and export of honey to, and from, China.【Methods】 Based on time series data collected from 1981 to 2020 and a comprehensive index of imported and exported honey, the volume, unit price, and the unit price ratio of imported and exported honey, were selected as factors for measuring the international trade in honey to, and from, China.【Results】 From 1981 to 2020, China accounted for 18.60% to 30.52% (average 22.87%) of the world's honey exports and became the largest honey exporter. However, the unit price of exported Chinese honey has been just 66.86% of the average global unit price and 40.32% of the average German unit price. The trade composite index of honey exporting countries indicates that a low unit export price can confer a competitive advantage. However, there are also potential competitors in this price range. China's honey imports, and the unit price of imported honey, are growing rapidly; the price of imported honey is now much higher than that of domestic honey. The unit price of imported honey is consequently significantly higher than that of exported honey. From 2011 to 2015, and from 2016-2020, the ratio of unit import price to unit export price was 4.71︰1 and 8.13︰1, respectively. This is contrary to normal market principles, and requires immediate rectification by the government. 【Conclusion】 Chinese honey exports have some competitive advantage, mainly reflected in the export volume. Honey imports are growing rapidly, but regulation is required to prevent the price of imported honey becoming much higher than that of domestic honey.