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

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Key Takeaways

Botswana’s electrical energy imports under HS Code 2716 in October 2025 were entirely concentrated in bulk electrical energy (27160000), with a uniform price of $0.20 per unit, reflecting a commoditized market. The import value rose to $20.62 million, signaling a rebound from September, though 2025 saw sharp volatility. Supplier risk is high, with South Africa’s ESKOM dominating 93.39% of the value, exposing Botswana to supply chain vulnerabilities. South Africa also accounted for 93.39% of import value but just 19.89% of quantity, indicating premium-grade reliance, while Zambia and Zimbabwe supplied bulk, lower-cost energy. This analysis is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database for October 2025.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Background

What is HS Code 2716?

HS Code 2716 classifies Electrical Energy, a critical commodity powering industries, households, and infrastructure globally. Its demand is driven by Botswana's reliance on imports to meet domestic energy needs, particularly for mining and manufacturing sectors. As a non-storable product, its trade dynamics are tightly linked to real-time consumption and regional supply chains.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Botswana's Electrical Energy Import policies are shaped by regional trade agreements and seasonal demand patterns, as highlighted in the FIDI Import Customs Guide [FIDI]. The country's limited domestic generation capacity underscores its dependence on cross-border electricity flows, making hs code 2716 trade data a key indicator of energy security. With rising industrial activity, monitoring Botswana's Electrical Energy Import trends is essential to anticipate supply gaps and tariff adjustments. Strategic partnerships with neighboring producers remain pivotal to stabilizing this critical trade flow.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) Price Trend

Key Observations

In October 2025, Botswana's imports of electrical energy under HS code 2716 reached a value of $20.62 million USD, marking a slight recovery from the previous month.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Electrical Energy Import trend showed significant volatility throughout 2025, with values fluctuating from a low of $148,550 in February to peaks above $33 million in May and July. October's uptick from September's $18.34 million suggests a stabilizing demand, possibly driven by seasonal grid maintenance or regional power-sharing agreements. While no specific policy changes directly targeting electrical energy were evident, general import tariff adjustments, such as those detailed in the BURS tariff notes [BURS], may have contributed to cost uncertainties affecting import values. The hs code 2716 value trend indicates a market responsive to infrastructure and regulatory shifts, with imports likely supporting domestic energy security amid variable generation capacity.

Botswana Electrical Energy Import (HS 2716) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's import of HS Code 2716 in October 2025 is entirely dominated by electrical energy under sub-code 27160000, which accounts for all value and quantity imported. This high specialization is evident with a uniform unit price of 0.20 US dollars per unit, indicating no significant price variations or anomalies within this category.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The trade structure for HS Code 2716 imports into Botswana shows a single, undifferentiated product category focused solely on electrical energy. This points to a fungible bulk commodity market, where goods are traded based on standard energy metrics rather than value-add stages or quality grades, typical for utilities and energy sectors.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For players involved in Botswana's HS Code 2716 import, the commodity nature of electrical energy limits pricing power, making it dependent on external market indices and supply stability. Strategic efforts should prioritize long-term supply agreements and cost management through monitoring HS Code 2716 trade data trends.

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 October 2025, South Africa dominated Botswana's Electrical Energy imports with a 93.39% share of the total value, despite having only a 19.89% share in quantity. This large gap between value and quantity shares points to imports of higher-value or premium-grade electrical energy from South Africa, such as reliable or processed power. In contrast, Zambia and Zimbabwe showed much higher quantity shares (26.01% and 45.08%) than value shares (3.79% and 0.83%), indicating bulk imports of lower-value energy, likely for base load or cost-saving purposes.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import origins for Botswana's Electrical Energy form three clusters based on share profiles. South Africa falls into the high-yield cluster due to its high value share but lower quantity share, suggesting a focus on premium energy sources. Zambia and Zimbabwe make up the volume cluster with high quantity but low value shares, reflecting bulk purchases of cheaper energy. Namibia, with a high frequency share of 27.78% compared to its low value share, represents a transactional cluster, implying regular, small shipments that may support grid stability or peak demand management. These patterns likely stem from regional energy agreements, cost differences, and reliability needs in Botswana's power supply.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for high-value Electrical Energy imports highlights a supply chain risk due to potential disruptions or price volatility. To ensure stability, diversifying sources by increasing imports from volume clusters like Zambia or transactional partners like Namibia could reduce dependency. Analyzing trade data for HS Code 2716 shows opportunities for negotiating better contracts or exploring regional energy pools to secure cost-effective and reliable power for Botswana's growing demand.

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

In October 2025, the supplier market for Botswana's Electrical Energy imports was highly concentrated. According to yTrade data, suppliers with high value and high frequency transactions dominated, holding 93.39% of the import value. This group, which includes frequent and high-value shipments, represents the core of Botswana's import activity for this product.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant cluster features ESKOM, a state-controlled utility, indicating a centralized supply structure where national entities control most trade. Other clusters, such as those with low value or low frequency, contribute smaller shares but offer potential for diversification. The profile of HS code 2716 suppliers shows a market driven by large, established players rather than diversified intermediaries.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana's heavy reliance on a centralized supplier like ESKOM creates vulnerability to supply disruptions or price shifts. Strategic focus should include exploring alternative clusters to reduce dependence. Tariff updates from BURS [BURS] suggest regulatory changes could affect costs, reinforcing the need for flexible sourcing approaches to mitigate risks.

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 qualify alternative suppliers in Zambia and Zimbabwe, reducing over-reliance on South Africa and securing lower-cost bulk energy for Botswana's Electrical Energy Import stability.
• Negotiate long-term contracts with ESKOM and transactional partners like Namibia, leveraging trade data insights to lock in favorable rates and ensure consistent supply for Botswana's Electrical Energy Import needs.
• Monitor BURS tariff updates and regional energy agreements through hs code 2716 trade data analysis to anticipate cost changes and adjust procurement strategies for the Electrical Energy supply chain.
• Develop a diversified sourcing strategy by increasing imports from volume-focused clusters, using trade data to balance cost and reliability across Botswana's Electrical Energy supply chain.

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 October?

The slight recovery in October 2025 ($20.62M) follows volatility earlier in the year, likely due to seasonal grid maintenance or regional power-sharing agreements. The commodity nature of electrical energy (HS Code 27160000) also makes imports sensitive to external market indices and supply stability.

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

South Africa dominates with 93.39% of import value, while Zambia and Zimbabwe contribute 26.01% and 45.08% of quantity, respectively. Namibia also participates with frequent small shipments (27.78% frequency share).

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

South Africa’s higher-value imports (0.20 USD/unit) suggest premium-grade energy, while Zambia and Zimbabwe’s bulk shipments likely reflect lower-cost base-load power. The uniform price within HS Code 27160000 confirms a fungible commodity market.

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

Diversify suppliers beyond the dominant ESKOM (93.39% value share) to mitigate risks. Prioritize long-term agreements and monitor regional energy pools (e.g., Zambia’s volume cluster) for cost-effective alternatives.

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

South African suppliers hold pricing power due to Botswana’s reliance, while Zambia/Zimbabwe/Namibia offer growth opportunities for bulk or transactional energy deals. Regulatory shifts may incentivize competitive bids.

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

Imported electrical energy (HS Code 27160000) serves as a fungible bulk commodity, primarily for grid stability, base-load supply, and peak demand management in Botswana’s power infrastructure.