Botswana Portland Cement Import Market -- HS Code 2523 Trade Data & Price Trend (Jan 2025)

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Key Takeaways

Botswana’s Portland Cement imports under HS Code 2523 in January 2025 were dominated by standard-grade bulk cement, with South Africa supplying 79% of volume, reflecting heavy reliance on a single regional hub. The market shows steady demand, with a total import value of $4.57 million at $0.09/kg, while supplier concentration—led by OHORONGO CEMENT—creates vulnerability to disruptions. This analysis, covering January 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Background

What is HS Code 2523?

HS Code 2523 refers to Portland cement, a fundamental building material used in construction for binding aggregates like sand and gravel. Its global demand remains stable due to its critical role in infrastructure development, residential projects, and industrial facilities. As a commodity, it is highly sensitive to regional supply chains and construction activity.

Current Context and Strategic Position

While no specific trade policy updates have been announced, Botswana's Portland cement import dynamics are influenced by broader macroeconomic factors, including regional construction growth and global commodity price fluctuations. As a landlocked country, Botswana relies on imports to meet domestic demand, making its trade flow particularly vulnerable to logistical and cost pressures. Monitoring Botswana's Portland cement import trends under HS Code 2523 trade data is essential for anticipating supply chain disruptions and pricing shifts. Vigilance remains key for stakeholders navigating this market.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Price Trend

Key Observations

In January 2025, Botswana's import of Portland Cement under HS code 2523 reached a total value of 4.57 million USD, with a unit price of $0.09 per kg and a volume of 50.26 million kg, indicating robust initial procurement for the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Portland Cement Import trend shows steady activity in January, likely supported by seasonal construction demand and stable global supply chains. With no major trade shifts, the hs code 2523 value trend reflects consistent economic conditions, potentially influenced by regional infrastructure projects and currency stability.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In January 2025, Botswana's import of HS Code 2523 is overwhelmingly dominated by standard portland cement, specifically the sub-code for portland cement other than white, according to yTrade data. This product holds over 95% of both the value and weight shares, with a unit price of 0.09 USD per kilogram, confirming its role as the primary bulk commodity in this category. The analysis period shows no extreme price anomalies, allowing for a clear focus on this main product.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes can be grouped into two categories: cement clinkers as a raw material input with a lower unit price of 0.06 USD per kilogram, and specialized cement types including white portland and aluminous cement, which have slightly higher prices around 0.10 to 0.11 USD per kilogram, indicating minor quality or application-based differentiation. This structure points to a trade primarily in fungible bulk commodities, with limited value-add stages, where prices are likely tied to global indices rather than brand differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For market players, the heavy reliance on standard cement under Botswana HS Code 2523 import suggests low pricing power and a need for cost-efficient bulk sourcing strategies. Niche products like white or aluminous cement may offer higher margins but require targeted demand assessment, as their smaller market share limits overall impact. Analyzing HS Code 2523 trade data reinforces the importance of volume-driven approaches for dominant products while exploring specialized grades for potential diversification.

Table: Botswana HS Code 2523) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 2523 Breakdown

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Botswana's Portland Cement imports in January 2025 are heavily concentrated, with South Africa accounting for over 79% of the value, weight, and frequency. The weight share (81.03%) slightly exceeds the value share (79.17%), indicating that imports from South Africa are primarily bulk, lower-grade cement, typical for construction materials where cost-efficiency is key. The high frequency share (80.19%) suggests regular, scheduled shipments, aligning with steady demand for building supplies.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import origins form a single volume-driven cluster, led by South Africa as the primary bulk supplier due to its proximity and established trade routes, reducing logistics costs for heavy goods like cement. Namibia serves a smaller, similar role with a 20.83% value share and 18.97% weight share, indicating supplementary bulk imports, likely driven by regional availability and competitive pricing in the HS 2523 trade.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Portland Cement poses a supply chain risk, such as disruptions from transport delays or political changes. Diversifying sources could enhance stability, perhaps by exploring other regional partners. No specific trade news affects this, so strategies should focus on securing alternative bulk suppliers to mitigate dependency and ensure consistent cement availability for infrastructure projects.

Table: Botswana Portland Cement (HS 2523) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Portland Cement (HS 2523) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In January 2025, the Botswana Portland Cement import market is highly concentrated, with a few key suppliers dominating trade. According to yTrade data, high value high frequency suppliers hold 97.94% of the import value, making them the core of the market. This group handles nearly all shipments, defining the typical trade as large, regular deliveries from major players.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, including OHORONGO CEMENT and WHALE ROCK CEMENT, are manufacturers, pointing to a direct-to-factory model for HS code 2523 suppliers. Minor clusters, like low value low frequency groups with companies such as AFRISAM, play a small role, adding minimal volume and value without shifting the market dynamics.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana importers face high dependency on a few manufacturers, increasing vulnerability to supply disruptions. Strategic focus should include monitoring these key relationships for stability, while exploring backup options to mitigate risks. The absence of relevant trade news means no immediate external factors alter this outlook.

Table: Botswana Portland Cement (HS 2523) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Portland Cement Supplier lists

Action Plan for Portland Cement Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 2523 trade data to monitor South African shipments and develop alternative sourcing from Namibia to reduce the Botswana Portland Cement Import dependency on a single origin, mitigating supply chain risk from transport or political disruptions.
• Negotiate long-term contracts with high-volume manufacturers like OHORONGO CEMENT by leveraging your own shipment frequency data to secure stable pricing, as the Portland Cement supply chain is dominated by bulk purchases with low buyer power.
• Analyze specialized cement sub-codes within the hs code 2523 trade data to identify potential demand for higher-margin products like white cement, creating a niche diversification strategy to improve overall profitability.
• Map and track logistics costs for heavy bulk shipments using trade intelligence, optimizing routes and delivery schedules to protect margins in a commodity-driven Botswana Portland Cement Import market.
• Build direct relationships with key manufacturer suppliers identified in the data to ensure priority during shortages, strengthening the resilience of your Portland Cement supply chain against market concentration risks.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Portland Cement Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Portland Cement Import 2025 January?

The steady import trend reflects stable demand for construction materials, with no major price or supply disruptions. The market is dominated by bulk standard portland cement, accounting for over 95% of trade.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Portland Cement (HS Code 2523) 2025 January?

South Africa supplies 79% of Botswana’s portland cement imports by value, followed by Namibia at 21%. Both provide bulk-grade cement, with South Africa’s shipments being more frequent.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization: standard portland cement trades at $0.09/kg, while niche types like white or aluminous cement command $0.10–$0.11/kg. Bulk clinkers are cheaper at $0.06/kg.

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

Importers should prioritize securing bulk supply from dominant manufacturers like OHORONGO CEMENT while exploring backup suppliers to mitigate reliance on South Africa’s 79% market share.

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

Suppliers in South Africa and Namibia benefit from predictable, high-volume demand but face pressure to maintain cost efficiency due to low pricing power in bulk-grade trade.

Q6. How is Portland Cement typically used in this trade flow?

The imports are primarily standard-grade cement for construction, with minor volumes of specialized types (e.g., white or aluminous cement) likely serving niche industrial or decorative applications.