Botswana Portland Cement Import Market -- HS Code 2523 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Key Takeaways

Botswana’s Portland Cement imports in Q1 2025 were dominated by low-cost, bulk-grade non-white cement (HS Code 25232900), accounting for over 97% of trade volume, with stable pricing at $0.09/kg amid a steady 31% quarterly demand surge. The market is highly concentrated, relying on a single supplier group—primarily manufacturers like OHORONGO and DANGOTE—while South Africa supplies 83% of imports, exposing supply chain risks. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Botswana’s reliance on cost-driven bulk procurement with limited diversification in suppliers or origins.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Background

What is HS Code 2523?

HS Code 2523 refers to Portland cement, a hydraulic binding material widely used in construction for its durability and strength. It is a critical input for infrastructure projects, residential buildings, and industrial facilities, driving consistent global demand. Botswana's reliance on imports for this product underscores its importance in supporting domestic development and construction activities.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Under the 2025 tariff rate quotas outlined in the MERCOSUR Agreement, Botswana's imports of Portland cement from member states are subject to annual limits [BURS]. This policy framework highlights the need for careful monitoring of Botswana's Portland cement import volumes to avoid supply disruptions. Given the country's limited local production capacity, HS Code 2523 trade data becomes essential for ensuring stable construction sector growth. Strategic sourcing and tariff management will be key to maintaining cost competitiveness in 2025.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's Portland Cement imports for Q1 2025 totaled $15.52 million USD, rising steadily each month from $4.57 million in January to $5.99 million by March. Unit prices remained stable at $0.09/kg throughout the quarter, indicating consistent import costs amid growing volume.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sequential growth in import value—up 8.5% month-on-month in February and 20.8% in March—reflects accelerating demand momentum early in the year, likely tied to infrastructure and construction cycles. This upward trajectory in the Botswana Portland Cement Import trend coincides with the implementation of annual tariff rate quotas for goods from MERCOSUR member states [BURS], which may have incentivized increased shipments ahead of potential mid-year policy adjustments. Stable pricing suggests competitive sourcing conditions, supporting the strong hs code 2523 value trend observed this quarter.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q1 2025, Botswana's import activities under HS Code 2523 are overwhelmingly focused on standard portland cement, with sub-code 25232900 for non-white portland cement dominating at over 97% of both value and weight shares. According to yTrade data, this product trades at $0.09 per kilogram, reinforcing its role as a high-volume, low-cost bulk commodity. A notable outlier is aluminous cement (sub-code 25233000) at $0.52 per kilogram, but its minimal volume isolates it from the main market analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-dominant imports fall into three groups: cement clinkers as a raw material precursor, white portland cement as a premium grade, and other hydraulic cements for specialized uses. This breakdown shows that Botswana's HS Code 2523 import is primarily composed of fungible bulk commodities tied to industrial demand, with minor segments for differentiated products that carry slight price premiums due to quality or application specifics.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For market players, the heavy reliance on standard cement under Botswana's HS Code 2523 import suggests low pricing power and a need to prioritize cost-efficient sourcing from high-volume suppliers. Niche products like white cement may offer margin opportunities but require targeted strategies due to their smaller scale. Analyzing HS Code 2523 trade data confirms that competitiveness hinges on bulk procurement rather than product differentiation.

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

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Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, Botswana's imports of Portland Cement were highly concentrated, with South Africa dominating at 82.55% of import value and 84.51% by weight. The weight share slightly exceeding value share indicates a focus on bulk, lower-cost cement from South Africa. Namibia accounted for 17.43% in value and 15.47% by weight, suggesting some higher-value product imports. A negligible 0.02% in value and weight came from Botswana, likely due to re-imports from returned goods or inventory adjustments.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import origins cluster into two groups. South Africa is a Volume Cluster, supplying most bulk cement due to its regional proximity and established logistics. Namibia is a High-Yield Cluster, with value share higher than weight, possibly from specialized cement for niche construction needs. The small Botswana-origin share is not a cluster but reflects reverse logistics like quality returns or supply chain corrections.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Portland Cement imports creates supply chain vulnerability. Diversifying sources could reduce risks from regional disruptions or trade changes. Reviewing HS Code 2523 data may help identify alternative suppliers to improve cost stability and ensure consistent supply for construction sectors.

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 Q1 2025, the Botswana Portland Cement import suppliers market is highly concentrated, with a single group handling nearly all trade. According to yTrade data, suppliers with high value and high frequency account for 99% of import value and quantity. This means typical trade involves large, regular shipments from a few key players.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, like OHORONGO CEMENT and DANGOTE CEMENT, are manufacturers, indicating a direct-to-factory sourcing approach. The profile of HS code 2523 suppliers shows little activity from other groups, with low-value clusters contributing under 1% each. This points to a market built on direct manufacturer relationships rather than trading intermediaries.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For Botswana importers, heavy reliance on few manufacturers requires strong partnership management to avoid supply risks. However, this setup is vulnerable to disruptions. External trade policies, such as tariff changes noted in [BURS], could shift sourcing options by introducing new competition or costs.

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

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Action Plan for Portland Cement Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 2523 trade data to identify alternative suppliers in neighboring countries, reducing Botswana Portland Cement Import reliance on South Africa and mitigating supply disruption risks in the Portland Cement supply chain.
• Analyze high-value niche products like white cement within the import data to diversify sourcing, capturing higher margins and reducing vulnerability to bulk commodity price swings.
• Monitor supplier frequency and volume patterns to negotiate long-term contracts with key manufacturers, ensuring stable pricing and securing priority access during regional shortages.
• Implement real-time tracking of trade policy changes using hs code 2523 trade data, enabling swift adjustments to sourcing strategies and avoiding cost spikes from new tariffs or regulations.
• Develop a contingency plan by mapping all potential suppliers in the region, strengthening Botswana's Portland Cement Import resilience against logistical bottlenecks or geopolitical tensions.

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 Q1?

The steady 8.5-20.8% monthly growth in import value reflects rising construction demand, with stable $0.09/kg pricing indicating competitive bulk sourcing. This aligns with Botswana’s heavy reliance on standardized cement (97% share) from concentrated suppliers.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Portland Cement (HS Code 2523) 2025 Q1?

South Africa dominates with 82.55% of import value and 84.51% by weight, followed by Namibia (17.43% value, 15.47% weight). Botswana’s negligible 0.02% share likely stems from re-imports.

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

Namibia’s higher value-to-weight ratio suggests specialized cement (e.g., white or hydraulic grades at $0.52/kg), while South Africa’s bulk non-white portland cement ($0.09/kg) drives its lower unit price.

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

Prioritize cost-efficient bulk procurement from dominant manufacturers like OHORONGO CEMENT, while diversifying sources to mitigate risks from over-reliance on South Africa (82.55% share).

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

South African bulk suppliers benefit from stable high-volume demand, while Namibian producers can leverage niche opportunities for premium cement, given Botswana’s limited domestic alternatives.

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

Imported cement (97% standard portland) supports Botswana’s industrial and infrastructure projects, with minor specialized grades (e.g., white cement) likely serving niche construction needs.

Detailed Monthly Report

Botswana HS2523 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

Botswana HS2523 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

Botswana HS2523 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR