Botswana Sugar Import Market -- HS Code 1701 Trade Data & Price Trend (Jan 2025)

Botswana Sugar Import (HS 1701) Key Takeaways

In January 2025, Botswana’s sugar imports under HS Code 1701 were dominated by raw cane sugar without additives, priced at $0.87/kg, reflecting a stable, commodity-driven market. Supplier concentration was high, with top producers like Illovo Sugar South Africa handling 66% of import value, creating efficiency but also supply chain vulnerability. Geographically, South Africa accounted for 59% of import value, highlighting regional reliance. This analysis, based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database, underscores the need for diversification in Botswana’s sugar import strategy.

Botswana Sugar Import (HS 1701) Background

What is HS Code 1701?

HS Code 1701 covers cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form, including raw and refined sugar. This commodity is a staple in food processing, beverage production, and household consumption, driving consistent global demand due to its essential role in daily diets and industrial applications. Botswana’s sugar imports under this code reflect both domestic consumption needs and potential re-export opportunities.

Current Context and Strategic Position

As of January 2025, Botswana’s sugar import policies under HS Code 1701 remain unchanged, with standard customs procedures and documentation requirements in place [FIDI Global Alliance]. The absence of recent tariff adjustments or trade restrictions suggests stability in Botswana’s sugar import market, though global price volatility and supply chain shifts warrant vigilance. Botswana’s reliance on imports for this key commodity underscores its strategic position as a regional trade hub, making HS Code 1701 trade data critical for monitoring supply risks and pricing trends. Stakeholders should track local demand shifts and potential policy updates to navigate this stable yet dynamic market.

Botswana Sugar Import (HS 1701) Price Trend

Key Observations

In January 2025, Botswana's sugar imports under HS code 1701 reached a total value of 5.22 million USD, with an average unit price of 0.87 USD per kilogram. This initial monthly figure sets a solid start for the year, reflecting steady demand for this essential commodity.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The January import volume of 5.98 million kilograms aligns with typical consumption patterns for sugar, a staple good with consistent demand throughout the year. While no prior monthly data is available for direct comparison, this level suggests a stable entry into 2025, potentially building on momentum from late 2024 when holiday season demand might have peaked. The unit price of 0.87 USD/kg indicates relatively stable market conditions, common for raw sugar imports which are less prone to sharp swings outside of harvest cycles or supply disruptions.

External Context and Outlook

Globally, sugar markets are influenced by factors like production yields in major exporting countries and currency fluctuations, which can impact import costs. For Botswana, which relies on imports for sugar, these external elements, along with domestic economic conditions, will likely shape future trends. Monitoring these factors will be key to understanding any shifts in the hs code 1701 value trend moving forward.

Botswana Sugar Import (HS 1701) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In January 2025, Botswana's import activities under HS Code 1701 are heavily concentrated on raw cane sugar without additives, which dominates with over 60% of the value share, according to yTrade data. This product, described as cane sugar in solid form without added flavoring or coloring, has a unit price of $0.87 per kilogram. A minor anomaly exists with a high-priced, chemically pure sucrose containing additives at $45.39 per kilogram, but it is isolated due to negligible volume and does not impact the main market analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports consist of two clear categories: raw sugars (including cane and beet varieties without additives) and chemically pure sucrose without additives, all priced closely between $0.84 and $0.91 per kilogram. This uniform pricing and lack of value-added features indicate a trade in fungible bulk commodities, likely tied to global sugar indices, with no significant differentiation in quality or processing stage.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For market players involved in Botswana's HS Code 1701 import, the structure suggests low pricing power due to the commodity nature of the goods. Strategic focus should be on efficient sourcing and cost management, as competition is based on price rather than product differentiation. Analyzing HS Code 1701 trade data reveals opportunities in optimizing supply chains for these standardized products.

Check Detailed HS Code 1701 Breakdown

Botswana Sugar Import (HS 1701) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In January 2025, Botswana's Sugar imports under HS Code 1701 showed strong geographic concentration, with SOUTH AFRICA as the dominant origin. SOUTH AFRICA held 79.38% of shipment frequency, 59.39% of import value, and 51.80% of weight share. The value share exceeding the weight share points to imports of higher-grade or more processed sugar from this partner. High frequency suggests regular, small-scale shipments, common for perishable or retail-ready food items like sugar.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Origin countries cluster into two groups: a dominant cluster led by SOUTH AFRICA with high frequency and value shares, indicating a reliable supplier of varied sugar products, and a bulk cluster represented by ZIMBABWE, where the weight share of 25.40% dwarfs the low frequency of 0.52%, signaling large, sporadic shipments of raw or low-end sugar. ESWATINI falls as a minor contributor with balanced shares. This pattern stems from regional trade ties, with SOUTH AFRICA's proximity facilitating frequent trade and ZIMBABWE's role in raw material supply.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's Sugar import strategy should address over-reliance on SOUTH AFRICA by diversifying sources to mitigate supply chain risks. Exploring additional regional suppliers could balance bulk and processed sugar needs, enhancing resilience. No relevant news or policy changes from January 2025 directly influenced these trade flows, so current patterns call for proactive sourcing adjustments without external disruptions.

Table: Botswana Sugar (HS 1701) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Origin Countries Profile

Action Plan for Sugar Market Operation and Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Botswana's Sugar Import market operates as a bulk commodity trade. Price is driven by global sugar indices and quality grade. The market shows no product differentiation. This creates low pricing power for importers.

Supply chain implications are significant. The market relies heavily on a few high-volume suppliers from South Africa. This ensures cost efficiency but creates major supply security risks. Any disruption from these partners would immediately impact Botswana's Sugar supply chain. The current structure functions as a direct processing hub for raw sugar, lacking value-added stages.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Sugar Market Execution and Expansion

• Use hs code 1701 trade data to identify and pre-qualify alternative regional suppliers. This diversifies your sourcing base away from over-reliance on South Africa and mitigates supply chain disruption risks.
• Analyze supplier frequency and volume data to negotiate better contract terms with top partners. This leverages your high shipment volume for cost savings and secures more favorable pricing on bulk purchases.
• Monitor global sugar price indices and correlate them with your landed costs. This allows for proactive budget planning and identifies the optimal timing for large purchases to maximize cost efficiency.
• Track shipment frequency and size patterns from dominant origins to optimize inventory levels. This prevents stockouts or overstocking, ensuring a smooth and responsive Sugar supply chain.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Sugar Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Botswana's sugar imports in January 2025 show stable demand, with a total value of $5.22 million and an average unit price of $0.87/kg. The market is dominated by raw cane sugar without additives, indicating a focus on bulk commodity trade tied to global indices.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Sugar (HS Code 1701) 2025 January?

SOUTH AFRICA is the dominant origin, accounting for 59.39% of import value and 79.38% of shipment frequency. ZIMBABWE follows with 25.40% of weight share but minimal frequency, signaling large, sporadic shipments.

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

The price difference stems from product specialization: raw cane sugar without additives dominates at $0.87/kg, while a minor high-priced sucrose variant with additives ($45.39/kg) is negligible in volume.

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

Importers should prioritize cost-efficient sourcing from high-value, high-frequency suppliers like ILLOVO SUGAR SOUTH AFRICA LIMITED while diversifying origins to mitigate over-reliance on SOUTH AFRICA.

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

Overseas suppliers, especially direct producers in SOUTH AFRICA, benefit from stable demand but must ensure consistent logistics. Bulk suppliers like ZIMBABWE can capitalize on large-volume opportunities.

Q6. How is Sugar typically used in this trade flow?

Sugar imports are primarily raw, bulk commodities for industrial or retail consumption, with no significant value-added processing, reflecting a focus on cost-sensitive, standardized products.