Botswana Electrical Energy Import Market -- HS Code 2716 Trade Data & Price Trend (Apr 2025)

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Key Takeaways

Botswana's electrical energy imports under HS Code 2716 surged to $30.15 million in April 2025, marking a sharp rebound from earlier volatility, driven by regulatory changes and regional demand. The market is dominated by bulk, undifferentiated electrical energy, with no value-added grades, reflecting a commodity-driven trade structure. Supplier concentration is high, with South Africa's ESKOM controlling 67.17% of imports, creating strategic vulnerability. Geographic reliance is equally skewed, as South Africa accounts for over 67% of import value, highlighting dependence on a single regional hub. This analysis, covering April 2025, is based on processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Background

What is HS Code 2716?

HS Code 2716 refers to Electrical Energy, a critical commodity powering industrial, commercial, and residential sectors globally. Its demand is driven by stable consumption patterns in manufacturing, infrastructure, and household use, making it a cornerstone of modern economies. Botswana's reliance on imports under this code highlights its strategic importance for sustaining energy security and economic activity.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Recent policy updates, such as Namibia's seasonal restrictions on imports destined for final consumption [BURS], underscore the evolving regulatory landscape for Botswana's electrical energy import under HS Code 2716. These measures could indirectly influence regional supply chains, necessitating closer monitoring of trade flows. Botswana's position as a net importer of electrical energy amplifies its vulnerability to external disruptions, reinforcing the need for agile market analysis. Tracking HS Code 2716 trade data is essential to anticipate shifts in supply dynamics and mitigate risks to energy stability.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Price Trend

Key Observations

In April 2025, Botswana's electrical energy import value surged to $30.15 million, reflecting a strong upward trend and the highest monthly performance in the provided data period. This highlights a significant recovery and growth in import activity for hs code 2716.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Electrical Energy Import trend shows notable volatility, with value plummeting to $0.149 million in February before rebounding to $7.43 million in March and then soaring to $30.15 million in April. This sequential growth aligns with policy adjustments, such as the implementation of a tariff rate quota effective from March [BURS], which likely facilitated increased import flows. The hs code 2716 value trend indicates a shift towards higher import volumes driven by regulatory changes and potential regional demand factors, underscoring a dynamic market response to early-year policy developments.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's import of electrical energy under HS Code 2716 during April 2025 was entirely concentrated in a single product: electrical energy itself. This product accounted for the full value of imports, worth $30.15 million, and the entire quantity of 8.21 million units. The unit price of $3.67 per unit confirms the trade involves a standardized bulk commodity rather than diversified finished goods.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The import structure for HS Code 2716 shows no diversification into different grades or value-added forms. All trade is focused solely on base electrical energy, with no sub-categories for transformed or specialized power products. This indicates a market dealing purely in a fungible bulk commodity, where transactions are likely tied to regional grid supply agreements or wholesale energy indices rather than product differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For importers of electrical energy into Botswana, this market structure implies limited direct pricing power. Buyers depend on large-scale supply contracts and regional energy market conditions, with costs driven by availability, transmission costs, and broader energy sector dynamics rather than product features or brand. Strategic focus should remain on securing reliable volume contracts and managing price volatility risks inherent in commodity energy trade.

Table: Botswana HS Code 2716) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In April 2025, Botswana's imports of Electrical Energy were highly concentrated, with South Africa dominating as the primary source, accounting for 67.17% of the import value and 60.77% of the quantity. The value share exceeding the quantity share suggests that Botswana may be importing higher-grade or more costly energy from South Africa. South Africa also had a high shipment frequency of 65.79%, indicating consistent and reliable supply chains for this commodity.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origin countries for Botswana's Electrical Energy imports form three distinct clusters. South Africa is the comprehensive cluster with high shares in value, quantity, and frequency, likely due to its geographic proximity and robust energy grid. Zambia represents a high-yield cluster with a 20.00% value share but only 0.55% quantity, pointing to niche demand for premium or backup power. Namibia is a volume cluster with a 38.66% quantity share but lower value at 11.59%, indicating bulk imports of cheaper energy, possibly for industrial use. Mozambique has negligible involvement.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For supply chain resilience, Botswana should strengthen its partnership with South Africa while diversifying sources to mitigate over-reliance. Exploring options like Zambia for specialized energy or Namibia for cost-efficient bulk could reduce risks. Analyzing HS Code 2716 trade data regularly will help in adapting to market changes and ensuring stable energy imports.

Table: Botswana Electrical Energy (HS 2716) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Electrical Energy (HS 2716) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the market for Botswana Electrical Energy Import suppliers in April 2025 is highly concentrated. One group of suppliers, which includes ESKOM, dominates with 67.17% of the total import value. This group also handles the majority of trade volume and shipment frequency. The typical import involves large, regular shipments.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 2716 suppliers indicates a state-controlled market. The dominant group's key player, ESKOM, is a major national utility, pointing to centralized supply arrangements. Other suppliers play smaller roles. ZESCO handles a few high-value shipments, while NAMPOWER provides frequent but lower-value deliveries. A final group has minimal impact on supply.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana's heavy reliance on one supplier cluster creates strategic vulnerability. Any disruption from the primary source could significantly impact energy supply. Diversifying sources, particularly by increasing engagement with the frequent, lower-value supplier group, could mitigate this risk. According to the BURS tariff notes, import timing restrictions may apply, which requires careful logistics planning for any diversification effort.

Table: Botswana Electrical Energy (HS 2716) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Electrical Energy Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 2716 trade data to identify and negotiate with secondary suppliers like NAMPOWER to diversify your sources, reducing over-reliance on a single dominant supplier and mitigating risk in the Electrical Energy supply chain.
• Analyze hs code 2716 trade data quarterly to monitor price trends and South African supply stability, enabling you to time contracts and hedge against the volatility inherent in Botswana's Electrical Energy Import market.
• Develop contingency plans with the high-yield supplier cluster, like Zambia, to secure premium power for critical needs, ensuring operational continuity if bulk supply from the primary source is disrupted.
• Structure long-term contracts with flexible volume clauses based on hs code 2716 trade data insights, protecting your business from price spikes and ensuring a stable cost base for Botswana Electrical Energy Import.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Electrical Energy Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Electrical Energy Import 2025 April?

Botswana's electrical energy imports surged to $30.15 million in April 2025, rebounding from earlier volatility due to policy adjustments like tariff rate quotas and regional demand shifts.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Electrical Energy (HS Code 2716) 2025 April?

South Africa dominates with 67.17% of import value, followed by Zambia (20.00%) and Namibia (11.59%), reflecting a mix of premium, bulk, and niche energy sources.

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

Price differences stem from varying energy grades: South Africa supplies higher-cost energy, Zambia caters to niche premium demand, and Namibia provides cheaper bulk imports.

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

Importers should prioritize securing reliable contracts with dominant suppliers like ESKOM while diversifying sources (e.g., Namibia for bulk, Zambia for backup) to mitigate supply risks.

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

Suppliers like South Africa’s ESKOM benefit from stable demand, while Zambia and Namibia can expand roles in niche or cost-efficient segments to capitalize on Botswana’s diversification needs.

Q6. How is Electrical Energy typically used in this trade flow?

Imported electrical energy serves as a bulk commodity for regional grid supply, likely tied to wholesale contracts rather than specialized or value-added applications.