Botswana Computers Import Market -- HS Code 8471 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Key Takeaways

Botswana’s Computers import under HS Code 8471 in Q1 2025 was dominated by mid-range portable devices, with a sequential decline in value and volume by March, signaling post-holiday demand softening. The market relies heavily on a few high-volume suppliers, increasing vulnerability, while China accounts for over half of imports, underscoring geographic concentration risks. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights the need for diversification in both sourcing and origins to mitigate supply chain instability.

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Background

What is HS Code 8471?

HS Code 8471 covers automatic data processing machines, including computers and laptops. These devices are critical for industries ranging from education and healthcare to finance and manufacturing, driving consistent global demand. Their versatility and essential role in digital infrastructure ensure steady trade activity under this classification.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The 2025 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States highlights ongoing adjustments to tariff treatments for imported goods, including those from Botswana [USITC]. Botswana's Computers Import market is strategically significant due to its growing tech sector and reliance on digital infrastructure development. Monitoring HS Code 8471 trade data is essential to navigate tariff shifts and capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic trade flow. Vigilance is key to aligning with both local demand and global policy trends.

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's computer import trend in Q1 2025 totaled approximately 14.34 million USD, with unit prices fluctuating between $134.67 and $165.35 per kg. The quarter closed with a notable decline, as March imports dropped to 3.55 million USD from 5.40 million in January.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 8471 value trend showed a sequential decrease from January to March, with import weight also falling, signaling reduced shipment volumes. The unit price peaked in February at $165.35 per kg before easing in March, coinciding with tariff policy shifts highlighted in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule update [Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2025) Revision 5]. This pattern reflects common Q1 inventory adjustments in the computer sector, where post-holiday demand lulls and global supply chain responses to trade policies often drive short-term volatility.

Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q1 2025, Botswana's import of HS Code 8471 is heavily concentrated in portable automatic data processing machines, specifically sub-code 84713090, which accounts for over half of the total import value. According to yTrade data, this product—described as portable computers weighing under 10kg with a CPU, keyboard, and display—has a unit price of around 401 USD, pointing to a specialization in mid-range, finished portable devices. No extreme price anomalies were identified in the data set, allowing for a clear analysis of the market structure.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports under HS Code 8471 fall into two main groups: higher-value processing units (like CPUs or servers, with unit prices up to 1,915 USD) and lower-cost peripheral units (such as input/output devices and storage units, with unit prices as low as 59 USD). This breakdown shows a mix of finished goods and components, indicating a trade in differentiated manufactured goods rather than uniform bulk commodities, with clear tiers based on value-add stage.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For businesses involved in Botswana's HS Code 8471 import, pricing power likely resides with suppliers of high-end processing units, while opportunities exist to optimize costs by sourcing cheaper peripherals. Strategic focus should be on securing reliable suppliers for finished portable computers and evaluating local assembly potential for components, based on HS Code 8471 trade data insights.

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

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Botswana Computers Import (HS 8471) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, Botswana's Computers import was heavily concentrated, with CHINA MAINLAND as the dominant origin, accounting for 56.48% of the total import value and 46.09% of the quantity. The higher value share compared to quantity share suggests that Botswana's demand leans towards higher-grade or finished Computers, possibly including premium models or advanced configurations. SOUTH AFRICA followed with significant shares in value (16.32%) and quantity (32.98%), indicating a strong secondary source. The frequency of shipments was highest from SOUTH AFRICA at 41.78%, pointing to regular trade flows, while China's frequency was 33.52%, aligning with its volume role.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origin countries can be grouped into two main clusters based on trade profiles. First, the Volume/Hub Cluster includes CHINA MAINLAND, SOUTH AFRICA, and UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, which together contribute high quantity shares (over 90% combined) and value, driven by large-scale manufacturing and logistics hubs that support bulk shipments of Computers. Second, the High-Yield Cluster consists of POLAND, ISRAEL, and NETHERLANDS, where value shares are notable (5.84%, 4.85%, and 1.14% respectively) but quantity shares are minimal, suggesting niche or high-value specialized Computer imports, possibly due to premium brands or custom orders. The high frequency from SOUTH AFRICA (41.78%) may stem from geographic proximity and established trade routes, facilitating frequent, smaller shipments to meet local demand efficiently.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

To ensure supply chain stability for Botswana's Computers import, reducing dependency on CHINA MAINLAND is key, as it dominates both value and quantity. Diversifying sources to include more regional partners like SOUTH AFRICA could mitigate risks, leveraging its high frequency and proximity for faster replenishment. Exploring alternatives in emerging markets may balance cost and reliability. Monitoring trade data for HS Code 8471 will help adapt to shifts in global supply chains, ensuring steady access to necessary technology without over-reliance on a single origin.

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

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Botswana Computers (HS 8471) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In Q1 2025, the Botswana Computers Import market is heavily concentrated, with a small group of suppliers handling most of the trade. According to yTrade data, high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominate, accounting for 93.89% of the total import value. This means the typical Botswana Computers Import suppliers are those that ship frequently and in large volumes, shaping the market's core dynamics.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining supplier groups include high-value but infrequent shippers, low-value frequent shippers, and low-value infrequent shippers, each playing minor roles. The dominant cluster's profile, with companies like PEPKOR LITESTYLE and CORE GAMING, suggests an intermediated market, where trading entities facilitate most transactions. This indicates that HS code 8471 suppliers are often managed through agents or distributors, rather than direct manufacturer relationships.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For Botswana importers, this structure implies a high reliance on a few key suppliers, increasing vulnerability to disruptions like supply chain issues or cost changes. Diversifying sources could mitigate risks, but the current setup may offer efficiency in logistics. The news on tariff treatments [Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2025) Revision 5] highlights potential cost impacts, urging importers to monitor policy shifts closely for strategic adjustments.

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

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Action Plan for Computers Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify your sourcing beyond China by increasing imports from South Africa and exploring niche suppliers in Poland or Israel, using hs code 8471 trade data to identify alternative origins; this reduces supply chain vulnerability for Botswana's Computers Import and ensures more stable access.
• Negotiate directly with high-value, high-frequency suppliers like those identified in the data to secure better terms for finished portable computers; this leverages their market dominance to stabilize costs and improve reliability in the Computers supply chain.
• Evaluate local assembly opportunities by sourcing lower-cost peripheral components separately, based on hs code 8471 trade data insights; this cuts expenses and increases flexibility within Botswana's Computers Import operations.
• Monitor trade policy and tariff changes regularly, especially from key origins like China and South Africa, to anticipate cost impacts; this proactive approach protects profit margins for businesses involved in the Computers supply chain.
• Use shipment frequency data to optimize inventory levels, aligning orders with high-frequency suppliers like those in South Africa; this prevents overstocking and ensures timely replenishment for Botswana's Computers Import market.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Computers Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The decline in Botswana's computer imports from January to March 2025 reflects post-holiday demand adjustments and global supply chain responses to tariff policy shifts, with unit prices peaking in February before easing.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Computers (HS Code 8471) 2025 Q1?

China dominates with 56.48% of import value, followed by South Africa (16.32%) and the UAE, while Poland, Israel, and the Netherlands supply niche high-value units.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization—China and South Africa supply mid-range portable computers (e.g., HS 84713090 at ~401 USD), while European origins focus on premium processing units (up to 1,915 USD).

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

Importers should diversify suppliers to reduce reliance on China, prioritize high-frequency regional partners like South Africa for stability, and evaluate cost-saving opportunities in peripheral components.

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

Suppliers from China and South Africa benefit from dominant roles but face pressure to maintain competitive pricing, while niche European exporters can capitalize on high-value demand.

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

Botswana primarily imports finished portable computers and components for commercial and consumer use, with a clear split between mid-range devices and specialized high-end units.

Detailed Monthly Report

Botswana HS8471 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

Botswana HS8471 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

Botswana HS8471 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR