Botswana Telephone Sets Import Market -- HS Code 8517 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q2 2025)

Botswana Telephone Sets Import (HS 8517) Key Takeaways

Botswana's telephone sets import market in Q2 2025, based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database, is dominated by high-value communication infrastructure, with specialized data transmission equipment holding a 39% value share. The market saw extreme volatility, plunging 54% in April due to new US tariffs before rebounding sharply in May. Supplier concentration is high, with just a few key manufacturers handling 82% of import value, creating supply chain risks. China dominates as the primary origin, accounting for 36% of value but 40% of quantity, signaling bulk imports of lower-end components. Strategic diversification is critical as Botswana's reliance on a narrow supplier and geographic base leaves it exposed to disruptions in HS code 8517 trade. The data underscores the need for balancing premium imports with resilient sourcing strategies.

Botswana Telephone Sets Import (HS 8517) Background

What is HS Code 8517?

HS Code 8517 covers telephone sets and communication equipment, including smartphones. These products are essential for telecommunications, business operations, and consumer connectivity, driving consistent global demand. The category is a critical component of modern digital infrastructure, linking industries and households worldwide.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The United States recently imposed a 37% additional duty on all imports from Botswana, effective April 2025 [Global Trade Alert]. This policy shift underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring Botswana's telephone sets import trends under HS Code 8517. Botswana's role in this trade flow is strategically significant, as it serves as a key supplier in the regional and global communication equipment market. Stakeholders must closely track hs code 8517 trade data to navigate these evolving trade dynamics and mitigate potential disruptions.

Botswana Telephone Sets Import (HS 8517) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's telephone sets imports in Q2 2025 reached a total value of $23.11 million, with an average unit price of $120.65 per kilogram. This period was marked by significant volatility, as import values swung from a low of $5.61 million in June to a high of $11.17 million in May, reflecting market adjustments to new trade barriers.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Telephone Sets Import trend exhibited sharp fluctuations sequentially, beginning with a 54% month-over-month value drop in April, coinciding with the US imposition of a 37% additional duty on all imports from Botswana effective April 9, as reported by [Global Trade Alert]. This policy likely prompted importers to delay shipments initially, causing the April slump. May saw a 76% value surge, potentially due to bulk purchasing to mitigate duty costs, evidenced by the unit price falling to $79.51 per kilogram. However, June values plummeted by 50%, suggesting sustained pressure from higher import costs and possible demand softening. The hs code 8517 value trend underscores how tariff changes disrupt typical inventory cycles in electronics, where rapid cost pass-through and order timing are critical.

Botswana Telephone Sets Import (HS 8517) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's HS Code 8517 import market in Q2 2025 is dominated by high-value communication infrastructure. The leading product is specialized communication apparatus for data transmission and switching (HS 85176290), which holds a 39% value share. Its significantly higher average price of $189 per unit, compared to the broader category, confirms its position as a premium, specialized import.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The import structure reveals a clear mix of finished goods and components. A major segment consists of finished smartphones (HS 85171310 and others), representing a large volume of trade at mid-range prices. Another distinct group includes various communication apparatus parts (HS 85177900, 85177100), which are essential components for maintenance and assembly. This combination of finished devices and necessary parts indicates a trade in differentiated manufactured goods, not bulk commodities. One entry for basic wireless telephones (HS 85171490) is a clear outlier with a very low price and has been isolated from this main analysis.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Analysis of this HS Code 8517 trade data shows that pricing power resides with the suppliers of high-value, complex equipment like data transmission apparatus. For importers into Botswana, strategic focus should be on securing reliable supply chains for these critical infrastructure components. The market for standard smartphones is more volume-driven, suggesting competition on cost and logistics is key in that segment.

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

Check Detailed HS Code 8517 Breakdown

Botswana Telephone Sets Import (HS 8517) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

CHINA MAINLAND is the dominant origin for Botswana's Telephone Sets imports in Q2 2025, holding a 36.01% value share. Its quantity share of 40.45% exceeds its value share, pointing to trade in bulk or lower-end variants of Telephone Sets, likely components or budget models. The UNITED STATES shows a high value share of 22.56% but a low quantity share of 1.05%, indicating imports of premium or finished goods. Frequency shares are elevated for both the US (35.55%) and China (21.76%), suggesting high-frequency, small-ticket trade patterns common in retail or just-in-time supply chains for HS Code 8517 products.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top origins for Botswana's Telephone Sets import form three clusters based on share profiles. The High-Yield Cluster includes the UNITED STATES, where high value but low quantity shares imply demand for premium-priced or niche finished goods. The Volume/Hub Cluster features CHINA MAINLAND, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, and CHINA HONGKONG, all with high quantity shares (40.45%, 15.87%, and 13.44% respectively), indicating mass sourcing of components or cost-effective models. The Transactional Cluster includes the US, China, and SOUTH AFRICA (frequency shares of 35.55%, 21.76%, and 24.99%), driven by frequent shipments for retail distribution or corporate supply chain needs in Botswana's market.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on CHINA MAINLAND for bulk Telephone Sets imports poses supply chain risks, such as disruptions or price volatility. Diversifying sourcing to include more High-Yield partners like the UNITED STATES could balance quality and cost, though the US tariff increase on imports from Botswana (effective April 2025) may indirectly affect trade relations or costs [Global Trade Alert]. Strengthening ties with regional partners like SOUTH AFRICA, which shows strong frequency and value, could enhance logistics efficiency and reduce dependency on distant origins for HS Code 8517 trade.

Table: Botswana Telephone Sets (HS 8517) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Telephone Sets (HS 8517) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In Q2 2025, the market for Botswana's telephone sets imports shows strong supplier concentration. According to yTrade data, a small cluster of high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominates, handling over 82% of the total import value. This group also accounts for more than 77% of the quantity and 90% of the weight, indicating that the typical trade involves large, regular shipments from a few key partners.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The other supplier groups include low-value high-frequency, high-value low-frequency, and low-value low-frequency participants, but they play minor roles. The dominant cluster's representative companies, such as CORE GAMING SYSTEMS and MAXTEC PERIPHERALS, suggest a direct-to-factory sourcing model for HS code 8517 suppliers, as their names imply manufacturing or end-user entities rather than traders. This points to Botswana relying heavily on direct relationships with producers for telephone sets.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

This supplier structure means Botswana's import strategy should focus on nurturing key manufacturer ties, but it faces vulnerability from over-reliance on a few sources. Diversifying suppliers could reduce risk. Supporting this, import data from [Market Inside Data] highlights the importance of monitoring HS code 8517 trends for informed decisions.

Table: Botswana Telephone Sets (HS 8517) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Telephone Sets Supplier lists

Action Plan for Telephone Sets Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify sourcing beyond China using hs code 8517 trade data to identify high-value US and regional partners; this reduces supply chain risk and balances cost with quality for Botswana's Telephone Sets Import.
• Focus procurement on high-value data transmission apparatus (HS 85176290) by targeting direct manufacturer relationships; this secures critical infrastructure components and increases pricing power.
• Optimize the Telephone Sets supply chain by leveraging South Africa’s high shipment frequency for just-in-time inventory; this cuts logistics costs and prevents overstock.
• Monitor US tariff changes and supplier frequency data monthly; this allows proactive cost management and avoids disruptions in Botswana's import strategy.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Telephone Sets Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Telephone Sets Import 2025 Q2?

The Q2 2025 import volatility stems from a 37% US tariff hike in April, causing delayed shipments and a 54% value drop. May saw a 76% surge as importers bulk-purchased to offset costs, followed by a 50% June slump due to sustained tariff pressure.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Telephone Sets (HS Code 8517) 2025 Q2?

China dominates with a 36% value share, followed by the US (22.56%) and UAE. China’s 40.45% quantity share indicates bulk imports, while the US ships premium goods at low volumes.

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

Prices vary due to product specialization: China supplies budget components (lower prices), while the US exports high-value finished goods like data transmission apparatus (HS 85176290) at $189/unit.

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

Prioritize direct ties with manufacturers like CORE GAMING SYSTEMS (82% market share) but diversify suppliers to reduce reliance on China, given supply chain risks.

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

Suppliers of premium goods (e.g., US) have pricing power, while bulk exporters (e.g., China) must compete on cost. High-frequency shippers (UAE, South Africa) benefit from retail demand.

Q6. How is Telephone Sets typically used in this trade flow?

Imports include finished smartphones for retail and specialized communication infrastructure (e.g., data transmission apparatus) for critical network builds, alongside components for maintenance.

Detailed Monthly Report

Botswana HS8517 Import Snapshot 2025 APR

Botswana HS8517 Import Snapshot 2025 MAY

Botswana HS8517 Import Snapshot 2025 JUN