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

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Key Takeaways

Botswana's Portland Cement imports under HS Code 2523 in May 2025 were dominated by standard-grade bulk cement, with South Africa supplying 84% of volume amid surging demand—import value rose 56% from January. The market is highly concentrated, with top manufacturers like DANGOTE CEMENT controlling 98% of trade, exposing supply chain risks. This analysis, based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Botswana's reliance on regional hubs for cost-driven bulk procurement.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Background

What is HS Code 2523?

HS Code 2523 refers to Portland cement, a hydraulic binder widely used in construction for its strength and durability. This product is essential for infrastructure projects, residential buildings, and industrial facilities, driving consistent global demand. Its standardized composition ensures compatibility with diverse construction applications, making it a critical commodity in trade.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Botswana's Portland cement imports are shaped by recent regulatory updates, including the 2025 Customs Act, which defines import conditions for ships transporting goods like cement [BURS]. As a landlocked nation, Botswana relies heavily on imports to meet domestic construction needs, positioning HS Code 2523 trade data as a key indicator of infrastructure growth. Monitoring these flows is vital to anticipate supply chain disruptions and align with regional trade policies. Vigilance in tracking Botswana's Portland cement import trends ensures stakeholders can adapt to evolving market dynamics.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Price Trend

Key Observations

In May 2025, Botswana's Portland Cement imports under HS code 2523 reached 7.13 million USD, with a steady unit price of $0.09 per kg, capping a period of sustained growth in both value and volume.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 2523 value trend shows a clear upward trajectory, rising 56% from January to May, driven by increasing import weights that peaked at 80.52 million kg. This sequential growth aligns with seasonal construction demand in Botswana, where drier months typically accelerate building projects. The customs policy update in January [BURS] likely facilitated smoother import processes, contributing to the volume surge without price volatility.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for May 2025, Botswana's import of HS Code 2523 is overwhelmingly dominated by standard portland cement, specifically the sub-code for "Cement; portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured", which accounts for over 96% of the value share. This product has a low unit price of 0.09 USD per kilogram, indicating a bulk commodity trade. An extreme price anomaly is present in another sub-code for "other hydraulic cement", with a unit price of 246.21 USD per kilogram, but it represents a negligible share and is isolated from the main analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports under Botswana HS Code 2523 Import consist of two clear categories: semi-finished cement clinkers and higher-grade white portland cement. Cement clinkers make up a small portion with a lower unit price, suggesting an upstream value stage, while white cement commands a slightly higher price, indicating a more specialized, finished product. This structure confirms that the trade is primarily in fungible bulk commodities, with limited differentiation beyond basic grade variations.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The heavy concentration in standard cement implies that buyers have little pricing power and must focus on cost-efficient sourcing and logistics for bulk purchases. Suppliers of niche products like white cement may have slightly better margins but face limited demand. Analyzing HS Code 2523 trade data shows that market players should prioritize securing stable supply chains for the dominant standard grade to maintain competitiveness in Botswana's import market.

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 May 2025 are heavily concentrated, with South Africa dominating as the primary origin. South Africa accounts for 84.64% of the weight share and 83.02% of the value share, indicating its key role in supply. The slight gap where value share is lower than weight share suggests imports are skewed towards bulk or standard-grade cement, typical for this manufactured good. Frequency share at 78.92% aligns closely, showing consistent large-scale shipments without significant fragmentation.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origin countries form two main clusters based on trade data for HS Code 2523. South Africa represents a Volume/Hub Cluster, with high weight and value shares, driven by proximity and established logistics for bulk cement transport. Namibia acts as a Secondary Volume Cluster, with a 15.36% weight share and slightly higher value share, possibly due to smaller, more frequent shipments or niche demand variations. Belgium's minimal presence, with negligible shares, is an outlier and not significant for clustering.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Portland Cement imports highlights supply chain vulnerability to regional disruptions. Diversifying sources could reduce dependency and enhance stability, possibly by exploring other neighbors or global suppliers. The current data shows no immediate shifts, but monitoring trade policies and logistics costs is advised for future planning.

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

Get Complete Origin Countries Profile

Botswana Portland Cement (HS 2523) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the Botswana Portland Cement import suppliers market in May 2025 is dominated by high-value, high-frequency suppliers, which hold 98.38% of the total import value. This group handles large, regular shipments, making it the typical trade pattern for this product. The market shows extreme concentration, with almost all activity coming from this cluster.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, such as DANGOTE CEMENT and AFRISAM SOUTH AFRICA, operate as direct manufacturers, pointing to a direct-to-factory sourcing model. A minor cluster of low-value, high-frequency suppliers, including entities like AFRISAM SOUTH AFRICA PTY and KWIKBULK, suggests some intermediated trade, but it accounts for only 1.62% of value. The profile of HS code 2523 suppliers indicates a market led by large producers with minimal broker involvement.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Importers in Botswana should focus on maintaining strong relationships with key manufacturers to ensure supply stability, but the heavy reliance on a few suppliers increases vulnerability to disruptions. Diversifying sources could mitigate risks. The recent import regulation updates from BURS [BURS] may affect logistics and costs, requiring careful compliance planning.

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

• Secure long-term contracts with high-volume manufacturers like DANGOTE CEMENT, using hs code 2523 trade data to negotiate bulk discounts and ensure stable supply for Botswana's Portland Cement Import, because reliance on a few key suppliers creates vulnerability to disruptions.
• Diversify sourcing beyond South Africa by evaluating imports from Namibia and other regional neighbors, to reduce geographic concentration risk in the Portland Cement supply chain and protect against logistics or political instability.
• Monitor the niche white cement segment within hs code 2523 trade data for potential premium opportunities, as it offers higher margins despite limited demand, allowing for strategic inventory planning without overcommitment.
• Optimize logistics and shipping for bulk standard cement, focusing on cost-efficient transport modes and warehouse timing, because the low unit price of Botswana Portland Cement Import requires minimizing overhead to maintain competitiveness.
• Regularly review Botswana's customs regulations and tariff updates from BURS, ensuring compliance to avoid delays or cost penalties that could disrupt the Portland Cement supply chain.

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 May?

The surge in import value (up 56% from January) is driven by seasonal construction demand and smoother customs processes, with South Africa supplying 84.64% of bulk-standard cement at $0.09/kg.

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

South Africa dominates with 83.02% value share, followed by Namibia (15.36% weight share), while Belgium’s presence is negligible.

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

Standard bulk cement trades at $0.09/kg, while niche products like white cement or clinkers have slightly higher prices, and an outlier sub-code (other hydraulic cement) spikes to $246.21/kg.

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

Prioritize securing stable supply chains with dominant manufacturers like Dangote Cement, while diversifying sources to mitigate over-reliance on South Africa.

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

South African suppliers benefit from consistent bulk demand, but niche producers face limited opportunities due to Botswana’s heavy focus on standard-grade cement.

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

Imported cement is primarily used for large-scale construction projects, given its bulk commodity nature and seasonal demand alignment with Botswana’s building cycles.