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

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Key Takeaways

Botswana's Electrical Energy imports under HS Code 2716 surged to $33.91M in May 2025, reflecting volatile but rebounding demand after policy-driven disruptions earlier in the year. The market is entirely dependent on finished electrical energy, with no diversification in product grades or intermediates. Supply chain risks are acute, with 90% of imports controlled by a single supplier (ESKOM) and sourced overwhelmingly from South Africa. This concentration leaves Botswana vulnerable to pricing and supply shocks, requiring urgent diversification strategies. Analysis of cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database confirms these trends for May 2025.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Background

What is HS Code 2716?

HS Code 2716 refers to Electrical Energy, a critical commodity powering industries, households, and infrastructure globally. Its demand is driven by sectors like manufacturing, mining, and utilities, with stable consumption patterns due to its essential role in economic activity. Botswana's reliance on imports under this code reflects its need to supplement domestic production to meet growing energy demands.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Recent policy updates highlight regulatory shifts, such as Namibia's seasonal restrictions on imports destined for final consumption, which could indirectly influence Botswana's Electrical Energy Import dynamics [BURS]. Botswana's strategic position as a net importer of electrical energy underscores its vulnerability to regional supply constraints and tariff adjustments. Monitoring hs code 2716 trade data is essential to anticipate disruptions and optimize procurement strategies, especially given the commodity's role in sustaining industrial growth. Vigilance in tracking policy and market trends will be key to ensuring energy security in 2025.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's Electrical Energy imports under HS code 2716 surged to 33.91 million USD in May 2025, reflecting a robust upward momentum in value terms amid volatile trade conditions.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Electrical Energy Import trend exhibited significant volatility early in the year, with value plummeting to 0.15 million USD in February before rebounding sharply to 7.43 million USD in March and climbing sequentially to 30.15 million USD in April. This surge aligns with policy adjustments that facilitated import entries from March onward, as detailed in tariff guidelines from the Botswana Unified Revenue Service [BURS], likely driving increased regional energy procurement. The consistent MoM growth from March to May underscores strengthening demand or strategic stockpiling, positioning the hs code 2716 value trend for sustained elevation through mid-year.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's import market for HS Code 2716 in May 2025 is entirely specialized, with all trade concentrated in a single product: Electrical energy. This product accounts for the total import value of 33.91 million USD and a quantity of 6.60 million units. The unit price for this energy is 5.13 USD per unit.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The breakdown for Botswana's HS Code 2716 import reveals no diversification within the product category. All trade consists of finished electrical energy ready for consumption, with no presence of intermediate products, raw materials, or alternative grades. This structure confirms the trade of a homogeneous, finished commodity, where transactions are typically linked to bulk supply contracts rather than product differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The complete reliance on a single finished product under this HS code leaves importers with minimal bargaining power, as they are price-takers dependent on external energy markets and supply agreements. Analysis of HS Code 2716 trade data for Botswana highlights significant supply chain risk, requiring strategies focused on securing long-term contracts or diversifying energy sources to mitigate price volatility and ensure stable supply.

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 May 2025, SOUTH AFRICA was the dominant source for Botswana's Electrical Energy imports, accounting for 89.96% of the value and 81.39% of the quantity. The higher value share compared to quantity indicates a preference for higher-grade or finished electrical energy, likely due to South Africa's advanced power grid and reliable supply. This dominance shapes Botswana's import strategy for HS Code 2716 products.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import origins split into two clusters. SOUTH AFRICA and NAMIBIA form a volume cluster, with NAMIBIA's high quantity share (18.25%) but low value (0.72%) suggesting bulk energy transfers or lower-cost imports, possibly through regional interconnections. ZAMBIA represents a high-yield cluster, with a value share of 9.31% despite low volume, indicating niche, premium energy contracts for specific industrial uses in Botswana.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy dependence on SOUTH AFRICA for Electrical Energy imports under HS Code 2716 creates supply chain vulnerability to regional disruptions. Diversifying sources or boosting local generation could reduce risks. The news on tariff changes from BURS does not directly affect this analysis, as it pertains to other goods and regions.

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 Botswana electrical energy import supplier market in May 2025 was highly concentrated. One key supplier group, represented by ESKOM, handled 89.96% of the total import value and 82.14% of all shipments. This group defines the typical trade, moving large volumes frequently.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 2716 suppliers shows a state-controlled market. ESKOM acts as a centralized provider. Another cluster, including ZESCO, delivered high value but less often. A third group, with NAMPOWER, shipped more often but at lower values. No other significant supplier groups operated during this period.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana’s heavy reliance on one main supplier creates high vulnerability to supply or pricing changes. Diversifying sources, especially among regional partners, would reduce this risk. The current structure suits stable, high-volume needs but offers little flexibility for disruptions.

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

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Action Plan for Electrical Energy Market Operation and Expansion

• Negotiate long-term supply contracts with multiple regional partners like Zambia and Namibia, using hs code 2716 trade data to benchmark fair pricing and reduce Botswana Electrical Energy Import dependency on a single source.
• Invest in domestic renewable energy generation to diversify the Electrical Energy supply chain, lowering exposure to external price shocks and supply disruptions from dominant suppliers.
• Monitor real-time hs code 2716 trade data for early warnings of supplier volume changes or price shifts, enabling proactive adjustments to procurement strategies and budget planning.
• Develop strategic reserves or storage solutions for imported electrical energy to buffer against short-term supply chain interruptions and maintain grid stability during regional crises.

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 May?

The surge in Botswana's Electrical Energy imports to 33.91 million USD in May 2025 reflects policy adjustments enabling increased regional procurement, following volatile early-year trends and a rebound from March onward.

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

SOUTH AFRICA dominates with 89.96% of import value, followed by ZAMBIA (9.31%) and NAMIBIA (0.72%), reflecting regional reliance and niche high-yield contracts.

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

Price differences stem from trade structure: SOUTH AFRICA supplies higher-grade finished energy, while NAMIBIA’s bulk transfers and ZAMBIA’s premium contracts create value-quantity disparities.

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

Importers must prioritize diversifying suppliers and securing long-term contracts to mitigate risks from over-reliance on SOUTH AFRICA’s ESKOM (89.96% market share).

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

Suppliers like ESKOM benefit from stable high-volume demand, while regional players (e.g., ZESCO) can leverage niche opportunities in Botswana’s undiversified market.

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

Imported Electrical Energy (HS Code 2716) is consumed directly as finished power, with no intermediate processing, indicating reliance on external supply for national grid stability.