Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import Market -- HS Code 8517 Trade Data & Price Trend (Oct 2025)

Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import (HS 8517) Key Takeaways

Botswana's telecommunication equipment import under HS Code 8517 in October 2025 reveals a market driven by high-value specialized gear, with premium devices from the U.S. and South Africa contrasting China's volume-driven lower-cost components. The trade is dominated by a few key suppliers like HUAWEI, creating concentration risks, while import values show volatility, dipping to 8.01 million USD amid U.S. tariff pressures. This analysis, covering October 2025, is based on processed customs data from the yTrade database.

Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import (HS 8517) Background

What is HS Code 8517?

HS Code 8517 covers telephone sets and communication equipment, including smartphones. This category is critical for global connectivity, driven by demand from telecommunications, IT, and consumer electronics industries. Its stable significance stems from the ongoing need for advanced communication infrastructure and devices worldwide.

Current Context and Strategic Position

In April 2025, the U.S. increased additional duties on imports from Botswana to 37%, impacting trade flows [Global Trade Alert]. Botswana's telecommunication equipment import market remains strategically important due to its role in regional connectivity and digital expansion. Monitoring HS Code 8517 trade data is essential to assess the impact of tariff changes and identify emerging opportunities. Vigilance is key to navigating this evolving trade landscape.

Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import (HS 8517) Price Trend

Key Observations

In October 2025, Botswana's imports of telecommunication equipment under HS code 8517 totaled 8.01 million USD at a unit price of 89.51 USD per kg, reflecting a stable yet slightly softened performance compared to previous months.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import trend displayed pronounced volatility throughout 2025, with values peaking at 13.91 million USD in March before dipping to 5.61 million USD in June. October's 8.01 million USD represents a minor sequential decline from September's 8.21 million USD, while the unit price drop from 110.45 USD per kg suggests a shift towards more economical, higher-volume shipments. This fluctuation aligns with industry cycles where batch imports for infrastructure projects drive irregular demand. The U.S. duty increase on imports from Botswana in April 2025 [Global Trade Alert] introduced external trade pressures, likely exacerbating the hs code 8517 value trend instability through heightened economic uncertainty (Global Trade Alert).

Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import (HS 8517) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In October 2025, Botswana's import of telecommunication equipment under HS Code 8517 is heavily concentrated in communication apparatus for data transmission and switching. According to yTrade data, the top product is communication apparatus for voice and data handling, which accounts for nearly 39% of the import value with a unit price of 93 USD per unit, indicating a focus on higher-value specialized gear. An anomaly is noted for a high-end communication apparatus with a unit price of 782 USD per unit, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its extreme value.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports can be grouped into high-value finished goods like smartphones at 129 USD per unit, mid-range telephone sets, and lower-value parts at 12 USD per unit. This mix of differentiated products shows that Botswana's HS Code 8517 import is not based on bulk commodities but on varied manufactured goods with distinct quality grades, from premium devices to basic components.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This structure gives suppliers of high-value items strong pricing power, while importers should prioritize sourcing specialized equipment to maximize returns. Analysis of HS Code 8517 trade data suggests that focusing on premium segments could drive better margins in Botswana's market.

Table: Botswana HS Code 8517) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 8517 Breakdown

Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import (HS 8517) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

China is the dominant supplier of telecommunication equipment to Botswana in October 2025, accounting for 46.56% of the total import value. This share is notably lower than its 57.44% quantity share, indicating China primarily supplies lower-cost components or entry-level devices. In contrast, the United States and South Africa show the opposite pattern. The U.S. holds a 9.89% value share from just 2.84% of quantity, while South Africa holds a 12.79% value share from 11.33% of quantity. This confirms these partners are sources of higher-value, premium telecommunications gear for the Botswana market.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import partners form three clear clusters. The first is a High-Yield cluster including the United States and South Africa, characterized by high value per unit shipped, suggesting they supply sophisticated network infrastructure or specialized equipment. The second is a Volume cluster led by China and including China Hong Kong, where high quantity shares point to their role as primary sources of mass-produced components and consumer devices. The third is a Transactional cluster featuring Vietnam, which has a high shipment frequency (18.29%) for a low quantity share (0.93%), indicating a supply chain built on frequent, smaller shipments of parts, likely for local assembly or just-in-time manufacturing.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on China for volume and the U.S. for high-value gear creates supply chain risks. The recent U.S. tariff increase on all imports from Botswana [Global Trade Alert] directly threatens the flow of premium U.S. equipment. This policy shift makes it critical for importers to diversify sourcing for high-end telecommunication equipment. Partners like India and the United Arab Emirates, which already have a foothold, could be developed as alternative suppliers to mitigate this tariff risk and build a more resilient supply chain for HS Code 8517 imports.

Table: Botswana Telecommunication Equipment (HS 8517) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Telecommunication Equipment (HS 8517) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In October 2025, the Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import suppliers market is highly concentrated, with a small group of key players driving most of the trade. According to yTrade data, suppliers handling large, frequent shipments dominate, accounting for 96.09% of the total import value. This shows that the typical import involves regular, high-value transactions from a few major sources.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, including names like HUAWEI INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, indicate a direct-to-factory or manufacturer-led supply chain for HS code 8517. Other clusters consist of infrequent high-value suppliers for specialized needs and frequent low-value suppliers for smaller, routine orders. This structure supports a mix of reliable bulk sourcing and flexible options for varied demand.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana importers should prioritize strengthening ties with dominant suppliers to ensure steady supply, while exploring diversification through smaller clusters to reduce dependency risks. The high concentration calls for careful monitoring of supplier stability and trade policies. News of U.S. duty increases on Botswana exports [Global Trade Alert] may indirectly affect import costs or availability, underscoring the need for agile sourcing strategies.

Table: Botswana Telecommunication Equipment (HS 8517) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Telecommunication Equipment Supplier lists

Action Plan for Telecommunication Equipment Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify high-value equipment sourcing beyond the U.S. to partners like India or UAE, using hs code 8517 trade data to identify alternative premium suppliers. This reduces tariff risks and stabilizes your Telecommunication Equipment supply chain for critical infrastructure gear.
• Strengthen partnerships with dominant volume suppliers like those from China to secure cost-effective components. This ensures steady supply of low-cost parts and maintains competitive pricing for Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import.
• Use shipment frequency data to optimize inventory levels, aligning orders with high-frequency suppliers for routine parts. This prevents overstocking and reduces storage costs within the Telecommunication Equipment supply chain.
• Focus import strategy on premium, high-margin products identified in hs code 8517 trade data, such as specialized data transmission apparatus. This maximizes returns in Botswana’s market by leveraging stronger pricing power for advanced technology.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Telecommunication Equipment Import 2025 October?

The import value of 8.01 million USD reflects a minor sequential decline, with unit prices dropping from 110.45 to 89.51 USD per kg, signaling a shift toward higher-volume, economical shipments. Volatility is tied to irregular infrastructure project demand and U.S. tariff pressures on Botswana exports since April 2025.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Telecommunication Equipment (HS Code 8517) 2025 October?

China dominates with 46.56% of import value, followed by South Africa (12.79%) and the U.S. (9.89%). China supplies volume-driven components, while the U.S. and South Africa provide premium, high-value gear.

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

Price gaps stem from product specialization: China ships low-cost parts (12 USD/unit), while the U.S. and South Africa supply high-value finished goods like smartphones (129 USD/unit) or specialized communication apparatus (782 USD/unit).

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

Prioritize partnerships with dominant suppliers like HUAWEI for bulk needs while diversifying into smaller clusters for niche demand. Monitor U.S. tariff impacts and explore alternatives like India or UAE for high-end gear.

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

Suppliers of premium equipment (e.g., U.S., South Africa) retain pricing power, while volume-focused Chinese exporters face competition. Frequent, smaller shipments (e.g., Vietnam) cater to just-in-time assembly needs.

Q6. How is Telecommunication Equipment typically used in this trade flow?

Imports support varied needs: high-value devices (smartphones, network gear) for consumer and infrastructure use, and low-cost components for local assembly or maintenance.