Botswana Generating Sets Import Market -- HS Code 8502 Trade Data & Price Trend (May 2025)

Botswana Generating Sets Import (HS 8502) Key Takeaways

Botswana's Generating Sets Import under HS Code 8502 in May 2025 was dominated by high-value electric generating sets, with specialized non-wind models accounting for 40% of imports. The market showed signs of stabilization after volatile swings earlier in the year, likely due to U.S. tariff impacts. Supplier concentration is extreme, with one group handling 92% of import value, while South Africa supplies 71.6% of imports, creating significant supply chain risks. This analysis, covering May 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Botswana Generating Sets Import (HS 8502) Background

What is HS Code 8502?

HS Code 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters, which are critical for power generation across industries like construction, mining, and emergency backup systems. These products are essential in regions with unreliable grid infrastructure, driving steady global demand. Botswana's reliance on imported generating sets underscores their strategic importance for industrial and commercial operations.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The U.S. administration recently imposed a 37% additional duty on all imports from Botswana, effective April 2025 [Global Trade Alert]. This policy shift could disrupt Botswana's generating sets import flow, particularly for U.S.-bound re-exports or components. Given Botswana's dependence on imported power solutions, market participants must monitor tariff impacts and diversify supply chains. The hs code 8502 trade data will be pivotal in assessing Botswana's resilience to these trade barriers. Vigilance is key as the policy landscape evolves.

Botswana Generating Sets Import (HS 8502) Price Trend

Key Observations

In May 2025, Botswana's imports of Generating Sets under HS code 8502 reached $750.56K USD, with a unit price of $10.87 per kg, marking a period of stabilized high value following significant monthly swings earlier in the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Generating Sets Import trend showed considerable volatility from January to May 2025, with value dipping to $227K in February before surging to over $740K in April. This instability aligns with the US tariff increase on all imports from Botswana to 37% effective April 9, 2025 [Global Trade Alert], which likely disrupted trade flows and prompted importers to adjust orders amid uncertain economic conditions. The hs code 8502 value trend rebounded in May, suggesting market adaptation, while unit price fluctuations from $6.50 to $10.87 per kg may reflect shifting supplier strategies or project-based demand cycles in Botswana's energy and infrastructure sectors.

Botswana Generating Sets Import (HS 8502) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, in May 2025, Botswana's imports under HS Code 8502 were dominated by electric generating sets without internal combustion engines, specifically the sub-code for other non-wind powered sets (85023900), which held a 40% value share. This product commands a high unit price of around $4,000 per unit, highlighting a specialization in advanced, high-value equipment. An anomaly is noted with a sub-code for large diesel generators (85021300), which has an extremely high unit price of over $15,000 per unit but is isolated due to low import frequency.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports fall into two main categories: medium-value diesel generators of various outputs (e.g., under 75kVA and 75-375kVA models) and low-value spark-ignition generators. The wide range in unit prices—from about $400 to nearly $6,000 per unit—indicates a market for differentiated manufactured goods, where value is tied to engine type and power capacity, rather than fungible bulk commodities.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Suppliers of high-value non-engine generators likely hold strong pricing power in Botswana's HS Code 8502 import market. Importers should focus on sourcing cost-effective options for lower-end applications while leveraging HS Code 8502 trade data to identify niches for specialized, higher-margin products.

Table: Botswana HS Code 8502) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Generating Sets Import (HS 8502) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

South Africa is the dominant source for Botswana's Generating Sets imports in May 2025, accounting for 71.64% of the value, 68.99% of the quantity, and 75.86% of the shipment frequency. The value share slightly exceeds the quantity share, indicating a preference for higher-grade or finished generating sets. The high frequency suggests regular, possibly just-in-time deliveries, which is common for essential equipment like power generators.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The sourcing partners can be grouped into two clusters based on trade patterns. First, the high-yield cluster includes Canada, with an 11.86% value share but only a 1.03% quantity share, pointing to imports of premium or specialized generating sets. Second, the volume cluster consists of China Hongkong and Singapore, where quantity shares (12.40% and 4.65%) outweigh value shares (1.79% and 0.94%), suggesting lower-cost or component-level imports, possibly for assembly or budget needs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Generating Sets imports poses a supply chain risk due to potential disruptions. Diversifying sources, such as increasing imports from niche suppliers like Canada or volume hubs in Asia, could enhance stability and reduce dependency. This strategy would support a more resilient supply chain for critical power equipment.

Table: Botswana Generating Sets (HS 8502) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Generating Sets (HS 8502) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

The market for Botswana Generating Sets Import suppliers in May 2025 was highly concentrated. According to yTrade data, one group of suppliers handled 92% of the total import value. This group also accounted for 78% of the quantity and 60% of the shipment frequency. The typical trade involved large, regular shipments from a small core of key suppliers.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 8502 suppliers indicates a direct-to-factory market. The dominant suppliers include mining and machinery firms, suggesting imports are for industrial use rather than retail. A secondary group provided smaller, frequent shipments but contributed only 8% of the value. No suppliers fell into the low-frequency categories, showing all active traders are repeat shippers.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana’s import strategy relies heavily on a few high-volume suppliers, creating vulnerability to supply disruptions. The recent U.S. tariff increase to 37% on all imports from Botswana [globaltradealert.org] adds cost risk for any U.S.-sourced goods. Diversifying suppliers or negotiating fixed contracts would reduce exposure.

Table: Botswana Generating Sets (HS 8502) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Generating Sets Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 8502 trade data to identify and qualify alternative suppliers beyond South Africa, reducing over-reliance and securing Botswana's Generating Sets supply chain against regional disruptions.
• Target high-margin, non-engine generating set imports (like sub-code 85023900) by analyzing unit price trends in the data, boosting profitability in Botswana's Generating Sets Import market.
• Negotiate fixed-price contracts with key industrial suppliers identified in the data, insulating your operations from cost volatility and recent U.S. tariff impacts on Botswana Generating Sets Import.
• Develop a dual sourcing strategy using trade data to blend premium Canadian units with volume-driven Asian components, optimizing both performance and cost in the Generating Sets supply chain.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Generating Sets Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Botswana's imports of generating sets rebounded to $750.56K in May 2025 after volatility earlier in the year, likely due to market adaptation following a 37% U.S. tariff hike in April. The unit price fluctuations ($6.50 to $10.87/kg) reflect shifting supplier strategies or project-based demand cycles.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Generating Sets (HS Code 8502) 2025 May?

South Africa dominates with 71.64% of import value, followed by Canada (11.86%) and China Hongkong (1.79%). South Africa’s high shipment frequency (75.86%) suggests regular, just-in-time deliveries.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization: Canada supplies high-value sets (e.g., $15k diesel generators), while Asia focuses on lower-cost models. South Africa’s slightly higher value-to-quantity ratio indicates a preference for premium equipment.

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

Importers should diversify suppliers to reduce reliance on South Africa (71.64% share) and negotiate fixed contracts to mitigate tariff risks. Prioritizing cost-effective options for lower-end needs while targeting niche high-margin products (e.g., non-engine generators) is strategic.

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

Suppliers of high-value non-engine generators (e.g., 85023900) hold pricing power, while volume-focused Asian suppliers cater to budget demand. Canada’s niche premium exports highlight opportunities for specialized equipment.

Q6. How is Generating Sets typically used in this trade flow?

Imports are primarily for industrial use, evidenced by dominant mining/machinery suppliers and large, direct-to-factory shipments. The high-value diesel generators suggest infrastructure or mining sector applications.