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

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Key Takeaways

Botswana's Portland Cement import market in September 2025 was dominated by standard-grade Portland cement (HS Code 25232900), accounting for 96% of volume at $0.09/kg, signaling a commoditized trade with limited pricing power. Import values declined 17% MoM after peaking in May, reflecting volatility from U.S. tariff policy shifts. Extreme supplier concentration (98% controlled by two firms) and geographic reliance on South Africa (82% of imports) expose critical supply chain risks. This analysis of hs code 2523 trade data is based on cleanly processed Customs records from the yTrade database for September 2025.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Background

What is HS Code 2523?

HS Code 2523 refers to Portland cement, a hydraulic binding agent used primarily in construction for concrete, mortar, and stucco. Its demand is driven by infrastructure development, residential building projects, and industrial applications, making it a globally traded commodity with stable consumption patterns. Botswana's Portland cement production and exports are critical to regional construction sectors, particularly in Southern Africa.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The United States has imposed a 37% additional duty on all imports from Botswana, effective 9 April 2025 [Global Trade Alert]. This policy shift directly impacts Botswana's Portland cement export dynamics, potentially redirecting trade flows to alternative markets. Botswana's role as a regional supplier underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring hs code 2523 trade data, especially as global trade barriers reshape competitive landscapes. The country's strategic position in Southern Africa makes its Portland cement imports a key indicator of broader market trends.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's Portland Cement imports for September 2025 totaled $5.90 million USD, with a unit price holding at $0.09/kg. This represents a notable sequential decline from the peak import activity observed earlier in the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Portland Cement Import trend showed strong growth through the first half of 2025, with import value climbing from $4.57 million in January to a high of $7.13 million by May. This momentum reversed sharply following the [Administration increases to 37 percent the additional duty on all imports from Botswana effective 9 April 2025] in April. The policy shift likely disrupted trade flows and contributed to the subsequent 17% MoM drop in import value by September. The hs code 2523 value trend reflects this volatility, moving from peak to trough within a single quarter as market participants adjusted to the new tariff reality, underscoring the sensitivity of construction material supply chains to abrupt policy changes.

Botswana Portland Cement Import (HS 2523) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for September 2025, Botswana's import of HS Code 2523 is overwhelmingly dominated by standard Portland cement under sub-code 25232900, which accounts for over 96% of both import value and weight. This product, described as Portland cement other than white, has a unit price of approximately 0.09 USD per kilogram. A small volume of other hydraulic cement (sub-code 25239000) is imported at a much higher price of about 0.97 USD per kilogram, representing a specialized niche that is isolated from the main market analysis due to its extreme price disparity.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports under Botswana HS Code 2523 Import consist of two clear groups: finished cement products and raw materials. Standard and white Portland cements (sub-codes 25232900 and 25232100) form the bulk, with white cement fetching a slightly higher price near 0.11 USD per kilogram, suggesting a premium grade. Cement clinkers (sub-code 25231000) are imported as a raw material at a lower price of around 0.07 USD per kilogram. This structure indicates a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are largely undifferentiated and likely linked to global price indices.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For importers dealing with HS Code 2523 trade data, the market's commodity nature implies limited pricing power for sellers, as buyers can easily switch between standard grades based on cost. Focus should be on securing bulk contracts for cost efficiency, while the high-priced niche for specialized cement may offer opportunities for targeted, higher-margin imports if demand exists.

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 import market in September 2025 is extremely concentrated. South Africa is the dominant origin, supplying over 82% of the total import value, weight, and shipment frequency. The weight share (84.23%) slightly exceeds the value share (82.45%), indicating a trade flow for standard, bulk-grade cement rather than premium or specialized finished products.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Only two origin countries are present, forming a single cluster. Namibia is the sole secondary supplier, accounting for the remaining 17-18% across all metrics. Its nearly identical value, weight, and frequency shares point to a consistent, smaller-scale volume supply chain. This suggests Namibia acts as a regional supplement to South Africa's dominant bulk supply, likely serving specific border regions or providing logistical backup.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's near-total reliance on South Africa for its Portland Cement creates significant supply chain vulnerability. Any disruption in South African production or cross-border logistics would immediately threaten Botswana's construction sector. A primary strategy must be to actively diversify its sourcing partners to include other regional producers, thereby building a more resilient and competitive import market for HS Code 2523.

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, Botswana's Portland Cement import suppliers showed extreme concentration in September 2025. The market was almost entirely controlled by a very small group of high-value, high-frequency shippers. This dominant cluster handled 97.96% of the total import value and 97.72% of all shipments. The typical trade involved large, regular consignments, with total imports reaching 5.78 million dollars and 51.43 million units for the month.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 2523 suppliers indicates a direct-to-factory trade structure. Key manufacturers like PPC CEMENT and AFRISAM served as the primary sources, with no significant high-value irregular or low-value regular suppliers present. A minor cluster of low-value, low-frequency suppliers, including Saint-Gobain and Dangote, accounted for just 2.04% of value, reflecting niche or secondary supply channels rather than core trade partnerships.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana's cement sourcing strategy carries high supply chain risk due to its reliance on two main suppliers. Any disruption with these firms could significantly impact construction and infrastructure projects. While external policy shifts like the [U.S. tariff increase on Botswanan exports] do not directly affect cement imports, they highlight broader trade uncertainties. Importers should prioritize diversifying their supplier base to reduce vulnerability.

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

• Diversify supplier sources beyond South Africa using hs code 2523 trade data to identify new regional partners, reducing vulnerability to single-origin disruptions in the Botswana Portland Cement Import market.
• Negotiate bulk purchase contracts with high-frequency shippers to lock in lower prices for standard cement, leveraging the commodity nature of the product for cost efficiency.
• Monitor and develop contingency plans for the niche high-value cement segment, targeting specialized demand to capture higher margins without impacting core supply chain stability.
• Implement real-time tracking of South African production and logistics using trade data alerts, enabling rapid response to potential supply chain interruptions for Portland Cement.

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 September?

The import value dropped 17% MoM by September 2025 after peaking in May, likely due to trade disruptions from a U.S. tariff increase on Botswanan exports, which impacted broader market confidence and supply chain adjustments.

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

South Africa dominates with 82% of import value, while Namibia supplies the remaining 17-18%, reflecting a highly concentrated regional dependency.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization: standard Portland cement (sub-code 25232900) trades at $0.09/kg, while niche hydraulic cement (sub-code 25239000) commands $0.97/kg.

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

Importers must prioritize diversifying suppliers beyond South Africa to mitigate supply chain risks, while exploring bulk contracts for cost efficiency in the commodity-driven market.

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

Suppliers from South Africa benefit from entrenched dominance, but niche players (e.g., Namibia) can capitalize on regional gaps or backup demand in Botswana’s vulnerable supply chain.

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

The imports primarily support construction and infrastructure projects, with standard-grade cement (96% of volume) used for bulk applications and specialized grades serving premium niches.