Botswana Portland Cement Import Market -- HS Code 2523 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q2 2025)

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Key Takeaways

Botswana’s Portland Cement imports in Q2 2025 surged in volume and value, driven by stable bulk demand for standard gray cement, which dominated 96% of HS Code 2523 trade. The market relies heavily on a few key suppliers like Dangote Cement, creating high concentration risk, while South Africa supplies over 80% of imports, exposing supply chains to regional disruptions. This analysis, covering Q2 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 hydraulic binder used extensively in construction for its strength and durability. It is a critical input for infrastructure projects, residential buildings, and industrial facilities, driving consistent global demand. Botswana's reliance on imports under this code reflects its growing construction sector and limited local production capacity.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Botswana's Portland cement import landscape is shaped by recent regulatory updates, including the 2025 Customs Act, which clarifies tariff treatment for ships transporting goods like cement [BURS]. This underscores the need for compliance vigilance in HS Code 2523 trade data. As a landlocked nation, Botswana depends on efficient import channels to meet construction demands, making market monitoring essential for cost and supply stability. Strategic sourcing and policy alignment will remain key to sustaining growth in this sector.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's Portland Cement imports saw robust performance in Q2 2025, reaching a total value of $20.39M USD. This represents a strong sequential increase from the previous quarter, driven by a notable surge in import volumes during April and May. The unit price remained stable at $0.09/kg throughout the period.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Portland Cement Import trend showed clear momentum building from the start of the year, with both volume and value rising steadily through May. This acceleration aligns with anticipated stockpiling ahead of potential policy adjustments, as indicated by the release of updated tariff notes by the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) in January [BURS]. Although June imports dipped slightly from May’s peak, the overall hs code 2523 value trend for Q2 remained strong, reflecting sustained demand from construction and infrastructure sectors. The flat pricing suggests competitive import markets or stable global supply conditions.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for Botswana's HS Code 2523 import in 2025 Q2, the market is overwhelmingly dominated by standard gray Portland cement. This product, classified under subheading 25232900, accounted for 96% of the total import value and 96% of the weight. Its low average price of $0.09 per kilogram confirms its role as a high-volume, low-cost bulk commodity, establishing it as the clear market standard.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports consist of two distinct product grades. Cement clinkers, the unfinished raw material for cement production, were imported in smaller volumes at a slightly lower price point. A small quantity of higher-value white Portland cement was also imported, commanding a premium price of $0.10 per kilogram. This structure confirms a trade in standardized, fungible bulk materials, with a minor niche for a specialized, higher-grade product.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This analysis of HS Code 2523 trade data shows that importers have minimal pricing power, as the market is driven by the cost-efficient procurement of a standardized bulk good. For suppliers, the strategic focus must be on achieving competitive scale and logistics for the dominant gray cement. The niche white cement segment offers a potential opportunity for premium positioning, but its market size is currently very limited.

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

South Africa is the dominant source for Botswana's Portland Cement imports in Q2 2025, accounting for 80.90% of the value and 82.70% of the weight. The slightly higher weight share compared to value share suggests that imports are skewed towards bulk or standard-grade cement, typical for construction materials. Frequency of shipments is high at 78.75%, indicating regular, large-volume deliveries that support ongoing infrastructure projects.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import partners can be grouped into two clusters. South Africa forms the Volume Cluster, with high weight and value shares, driven by proximity and efficient logistics for bulk cement transport. Namibia represents a Secondary Cluster, where the value share (19.07%) exceeds the weight share (17.28%), pointing to possible imports of higher-quality or specialized cement variants. The very low shares from Botswana itself indicate re-importation, likely due to returned goods or inventory adjustments, while other countries like the United Kingdom and Belgium have minimal presence, suggesting occasional or niche orders.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Portland Cement imports creates supply chain vulnerability to disruptions. Diversifying sources, such as exploring more imports from Namibia or regional alternatives, could enhance stability and mitigate risks. Monitoring trade data for HS Code 2523 will help in adjusting sourcing strategies to ensure consistent supply for construction needs.

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

According to yTrade data, the Botswana Portland Cement import suppliers market in Q2 2025 is heavily dominated by a small group of high-value, high-frequency shippers. This cluster accounts for 98.94% of the total import value and 98.45% of shipment frequency, making it the core of the trade. The typical import involves large, regular shipments from these key players.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, including Dangote Cement and Afrisam, are major cement manufacturers, pointing to a direct-to-factory sourcing model for HS code 2523. Other clusters contribute very little, with low-value or infrequent shipments having minimal market impact. This structure shows that imports rely almost entirely on direct relationships with producers.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Importers in Botswana should prioritize maintaining strong ties with the dominant manufacturers to ensure steady supply, given the high reliance. The concentration increases vulnerability to disruptions from these few sources. [Botswana Unified Revenue Service] tariff updates highlight potential regulatory shifts, urging importers to stay informed on customs changes that could affect costs and logistics.

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

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Action Plan for Portland Cement Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify sourcing beyond South Africa using hs code 2523 trade data to identify alternative suppliers in Namibia or other regional partners, reducing vulnerability to single-source disruptions in the Portland Cement supply chain.
• Negotiate long-term contracts with dominant manufacturers like Dangote and Afrisam to lock in stable pricing for bulk gray cement, leveraging your position as a high-volume buyer in Botswana's Portland Cement Import market.
• Monitor Botswana Unified Revenue Service tariff updates and logistics costs monthly, adjusting procurement budgets to avoid unexpected cost spikes that impact the overall Portland Cement supply chain.
• Explore niche demand for premium white cement by analyzing hs code 2523 trade data for high-value, low-volume opportunities, diversifying your product range beyond the standard commodity bulk trade.

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 Q2?

The Q2 surge in import volume and value reflects stockpiling ahead of potential policy adjustments, with stable pricing ($0.09/kg) indicating competitive bulk procurement.

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

South Africa dominates (80.9% of value), followed by Namibia (19.07%), with minimal imports from other countries like the UK or Belgium.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization: Namibia’s higher-value share suggests premium-grade cement, while South Africa’s bulk-standard gray cement trades at $0.09/kg.

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

Prioritize direct relationships with dominant manufacturers (e.g., Dangote Cement) and diversify sources to mitigate over-reliance on South Africa.

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

Suppliers must compete on scale/logistics for bulk gray cement (96% of imports), with limited niche potential for premium white cement (0.10/kg).

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

Imports primarily support construction and infrastructure projects, with standardized gray cement as the high-volume, low-cost bulk commodity.

Detailed Monthly Report

Botswana HS2523 Import Snapshot 2025 APR

Botswana HS2523 Import Snapshot 2025 MAY