Botswana Computers Import Market -- HS Code 8471 Trade Data & Price Trend (May 2025)

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Key Takeaways

Botswana's computers import under HS Code 8471 in May 2025 reveals a market dominated by high-value finished laptops, with China supplying over half the volume at lower unit prices while premium suppliers like Sweden and Japan cater to niche demand. The trade value dipped to $3.91 million amid post-tariff uncertainty, reflecting cautious procurement. Supplier concentration is extreme, with top players like RECTRON PTY LTD controlling 89% of trade value, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Botswana's reliance on specialized tech imports amid volatile conditions.

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Background

What is HS Code 8471?

HS Code 8471 covers automatic data processing machines, including computers and laptops. These products are critical for industries ranging from corporate enterprises to education and government sectors, driving consistent global demand due to their essential role in digital infrastructure. The stability of this demand underscores the strategic importance of tracking Botswana's computers import trends under this classification.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The United States has imposed a 37% additional duty on all imports from Botswana, effective April 9, 2025 [Global Trade Alert]. This policy shift directly impacts HS Code 8471 trade data, as Botswana's computers import market now faces heightened cost barriers. Given Botswana's role as a growing hub for regional trade, these tariffs necessitate close monitoring to assess their effect on supply chains and pricing dynamics. Vigilance is key to understanding how these changes will reshape trade flows in the coming months.

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Price Trend

Key Observations

In May 2025, Botswana's computer import trend registered a value of $3.91 million with a unit price of $144.55 per kilogram, marking a sequential decline from April's performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 8471 value trend exhibited volatility through early 2025, with a sharp drop in March to $3.55 million before a partial rebound in April to $4.72 million, followed by May's decrease. This pattern aligns with heightened trade uncertainties following the US increase of additional duties on all imports from Botswana to 37% effective April 9, 2025 [Global Trade Alert], which likely dampened import demand amid broader economic caution. Computer imports are sensitive to policy shifts and global supply chain disruptions, with the sequential declines reflecting adjusted procurement strategies in response to external pressures.

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's import market for HS Code 8471 in May 2025 is overwhelmingly dominated by finished laptops. The sub-code for portable computers weighing under 10kg (84713090) accounts for nearly half the total import value, with a unit price of $431.74 per computer. This high unit price and its dominant value share confirm the market's specialization in ready-to-use, high-value finished goods.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports under Botswana's HS Code 8471 trade data reveal a clear value-chain split. A premium tier includes processing units and integrated systems with unit prices from $665 to $865, representing high-value components. A volume-driven tier consists of storage units, input/output devices, and other peripherals with much lower unit prices (mostly under $110), indicating these are standardized, fungible goods. This structure shows Botswana's import of HS Code 8471 is not a bulk commodity trade but a market for differentiated technology products at various stages of assembly and functionality.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This analysis of HS Code 8471 import data shows pricing power lies with suppliers of finished laptops and high-end components, where brand and specifications drive value. For importers, strategic focus should be on securing reliable supply chains for these dominant finished goods. Opportunities exist in the volume segment for cost-competitive sourcing of generic peripherals, but competition will be price-based with thinner margins.

Table: Botswana HS Code 8471) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 8471 Breakdown

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Botswana's Computers import was heavily concentrated, with CHINA MAINLAND as the dominant origin, accounting for 51.63% of the value and 62.53% of the quantity under HS Code 8471. The value share is lower than the quantity share, indicating a focus on lower-value or bulkier computer items, such as components or budget models, rather than high-end devices. Frequency share at 49.28% aligns closely, showing consistent, large-volume shipments. SOUTH AFRICA follows as a secondary key source, with 25.70% value share and 29.26% quantity share, reinforcing this pattern of cost-effective sourcing.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origin countries for Botswana's Computers import form two main clusters based on share profiles. First, the Volume Leaders cluster includes CHINA MAINLAND and SOUTH AFRICA, with high quantity and value shares, driven by their roles as manufacturing hubs and proximity, supplying affordable computers and parts. Second, the Premium Suppliers cluster comprises SWEDEN, POLAND, and JAPAN, where value shares (6.00%, 3.57%, 2.90%) significantly exceed quantity shares (0.09%, 0.40%, 0.94%), suggesting imports of high-end, specialized computing equipment. Other countries like UNITED ARAB EMIRATES and THAILAND contribute smaller, mixed shares, likely for specific models or transit points.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on CHINA MAINLAND for Computers import under HS Code 8471 poses supply chain risks, such as dependency on a single region. Diversifying sources to include more partners like SOUTH AFRICA or premium suppliers could enhance stability and access to varied technology tiers. Although news indicates US tariff increases on Botswana exports [Global Trade Alert], this primarily affects outbound trade and does not directly alter import patterns for Computers, but monitoring global trade shifts is advised for long-term strategy.

Table: Botswana Computers (HS 8471) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Computers (HS 8471) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the Botswana Computers import supplier market in May 2025 is highly concentrated, with high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominating 89.18% of the trade value. These suppliers handle 82.07% of shipment frequency and 84.48% of weight, indicating that the typical import involves regular, substantial orders of computers.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 8471 suppliers shows that the dominant group, including companies like RECTRON PTY LTD and ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS, points to a direct-to-factory sourcing model, as these are likely manufacturers or key distributors. Other clusters contribute minimally, with low-value suppliers accounting for less than 1% of value each, highlighting their peripheral role in the trade structure.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For importers in Botswana, the heavy reliance on a few high-value suppliers requires focused relationship management to ensure steady supply, but it also poses a risk of disruption if these key partners face issues. Diversifying sources among lower-value clusters could mitigate dependency, though their small share limits immediate impact.

Table: Botswana Computers (HS 8471) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Computers Supplier lists

Action Plan for Computers Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 8471 trade data to prioritize and strengthen relationships with high-value, high-frequency suppliers for Botswana's Computers Import, ensuring steady supply of finished laptops and reducing dependency risks in the Computers supply chain.
• Diversify sourcing origins by incorporating premium suppliers from countries like Sweden or Japan, leveraging their high-value components to enhance product variety and mitigate over-reliance on China in Botswana's Computers Import strategy.
• Analyze shipment frequency and volume from hs code 8471 trade data to optimize inventory management, aligning stock levels with supplier cycles to prevent overstock and improve capital efficiency in the Computers supply chain.
• Monitor global trade developments and hs code 8471 trade data trends regularly, adapting sourcing plans to navigate potential disruptions like tariffs and maintain cost stability for Botswana's Computers Import.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Computers Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Computers Import 2025 May?

Botswana's computer imports declined to $3.91 million in May 2025, following volatility linked to US tariff increases on Botswana exports, which dampened import demand amid broader economic caution.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Computers (HS Code 8471) 2025 May?

China Mainland dominates with 51.63% of import value, followed by South Africa (25.70%), while Sweden, Poland, and Japan supply higher-value, specialized equipment.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across origin countries of Botswana Computers Import?

Price differences stem from the market split: China and South Africa supply cost-effective bulk items, while Sweden, Japan, and Poland provide premium-tier components with higher unit prices.

Q4. What should importers in Botswana focus on when buying Computers?

Importers should prioritize securing high-value finished laptops (like HS 84713090) from dominant suppliers while diversifying sources to mitigate reliance on China.

Q5. What does this Botswana Computers import pattern mean for overseas suppliers?

Suppliers of finished laptops and premium components hold pricing power, while peripheral vendors face thin margins in the competitive volume-driven segment.

Q6. How is Computers typically used in this trade flow?

Botswana's imports under HS 8471 are primarily ready-to-use laptops and differentiated tech products, with a secondary focus on components and peripherals for assembly or replacement.