Botswana Trucks Import Market -- HS Code 8704 Trade Data & Price Trend (Apr 2025)

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Key Takeaways

Botswana's trucks import under HS Code 8704 in April 2025 was dominated by mid-range diesel vehicles under 5 tonnes, with premium spark-ignition models and heavier utility trucks forming distinct segments. The market saw a sequential decline from $17.51 million in January to $13.59 million, reflecting volatile demand. Supplier concentration is extreme, with manufacturers like SUZUKI and NISSAN controlling 92.39% of import value, creating supply chain vulnerability. South Africa accounted for 92.77% of imports, highlighting heavy regional reliance. This analysis is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database for April 2025.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Background

What is HS Code 8704?

HS Code 8704 refers to motor vehicles designed for the transport of goods, commonly known as trucks. These vehicles are critical for industries such as logistics, mining, and agriculture, where efficient cargo movement is essential. Global demand remains stable due to their role in supply chains and infrastructure development.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Botswana's trucks import market under HS Code 8704 is dominated by key players like Motor Centre Bots. (Pty) Ltd, which accounted for 15.38% of imports valued at $206.94 million [Tendata]. Recent data shows fluctuating import values, with June 2025 recording the highest at $159.06K [Market Inside Data]. Botswana's reliance on imported trucks highlights its strategic position as a regional logistics hub, necessitating close monitoring of trade policies and market trends to ensure supply chain resilience. Vigilance in tracking HS Code 8704 trade data is crucial for stakeholders navigating this dynamic sector.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's trucks imports under HS code 8704 totaled $13.59 million in April 2025, with an average unit price of $8.76 per kilogram. This marks a decrease from the stronger performance earlier in the year, reflecting a shift in import dynamics.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Trucks Import trend exhibited a sequential decline from January's $17.51 million to April's $13.59 million, with unit prices fluctuating between $6.88 and $9.90 per kilogram over the period. This volatility aligns with the market concentration indicated by recent data, where MOTOR CENTRE BOTS.(PTY) LTD held a dominant share of imports, as reported by [Tendata]. The reduction in April may stem from inventory adjustments or seasonal demand cycles in the logistics and construction sectors, common in capital goods markets.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In April 2025, Botswana's import of trucks under HS Code 8704 is heavily concentrated in diesel-powered goods vehicles under 5 tonnes, specifically the sub-code for vehicles with compression-ignition engines. According to yTrade data, this category accounts for nearly half of the total import value, with a unit price of approximately 2,695 USD per vehicle, indicating a focus on mid-range commercial trucks. An extreme price anomaly is present in off-highway dumpers, which have a very low unit price of around 10 USD per vehicle and are isolated from the main analysis due to their outlier nature.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports are grouped into two main categories: spark-ignition engine trucks under 5 tonnes, with higher unit prices up to 34,108 USD, suggesting premium or specialized variants, and heavier diesel trucks over 5 tonnes, with lower unit prices around 131 to 6,036 USD, indicating utility-focused models. This structure shows a trade in differentiated manufactured goods, not bulk commodities, with clear grade separations based on engine type and vehicle weight.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For market players, the high unit price segments offer stronger pricing power, emphasizing quality and specialization in Botswana's HS Code 8704 import market. Strategic focus should target the dominant diesel under-5-tonne segment and explore opportunities in premium spark-ignition models, as analyzing HS Code 8704 trade data reveals a value-driven rather than volume-driven import pattern.

Table: Botswana HS Code 8704) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

South Africa dominates Botswana's trucks import in April 2025, accounting for 92.77% of the value and 99.68% of the quantity. The slightly higher quantity share compared to value share suggests a focus on more affordable or standard truck models from this origin. High frequency at 76.64% indicates regular, possibly daily or weekly shipments, aligning with just-in-time supply chains for automotive parts or maintenance needs in Botswana's logistics sector.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origin countries form two main clusters based on share profiles. South Africa stands as the volume-dominant cluster, supplying the bulk of trucks due to geographic proximity and established trade routes. China represents a high-yield cluster with a unit price around $36,537, implying imports of premium or specialized trucks, despite low volume. Other countries like Japan, UK, Kenya, and Namibia have minimal shares, with Japan's higher frequency hinting at occasional, smaller shipments for niche demands or aftermarket parts.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for trucks import underscores supply chain vulnerability to regional disruptions. Diversifying sources, such as exploring options from China for high-end models, could mitigate risks. News from [Tendata] confirms active importers focusing on HS Code 8704, reinforcing the need for strategic sourcing adjustments to ensure stable supply. Monitoring trade policies, like those noted in BURS documents, may help anticipate changes.

Table: Botswana Trucks (HS 8704) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Trucks (HS 8704) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In April 2025, the Botswana Trucks Import suppliers market is heavily concentrated. According to yTrade data, one group of suppliers dominates with 92.39% of the total import value. These suppliers handle frequent, high-value shipments, making them the typical source for trucks. They account for over three-quarters of the quantity and weight, showing their central role in the trade flow.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers include manufacturers like SUZUKI and NISSAN, indicating a direct-to-factory sourcing model for HS code 8704. Other clusters play smaller roles: some provide high-value but infrequent shipments, possibly for specialized orders, while others offer low-value, frequent trades that might involve parts or smaller consignments. A minor cluster deals with very low quantity and value, likely representing niche or occasional transactions.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For Botswana importers, the strategy should focus on maintaining strong ties with the dominant manufacturers to ensure steady supply. The high concentration poses a risk if disruptions occur, so exploring relationships with secondary suppliers could add resilience. News from Tendata highlights significant import values [Tendata], supporting the need for careful supplier management to avoid dependency issues.

Table: Botswana Trucks (HS 8704) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Trucks Market Operation and Expansion

• Analyze hs code 8704 trade data to prioritize sourcing from dominant South African OEMs like NISSAN and SUZUKI to secure stable supply and competitive pricing for Botswana's Trucks Import, leveraging their high-frequency, high-volume shipments.
• Diversify the Trucks supply chain by identifying and qualifying secondary suppliers from China for premium models to reduce over-reliance on South Africa and mitigate regional disruption risks.
• Use hs code 8704 trade data to monitor shipment frequency and volume from South Africa to optimize inventory levels and avoid stockouts, ensuring smooth operations for Botswana's logistics sector.
• Explore opportunities in the high-unit-price spark-ignition truck segment using detailed import records to capture higher margins and meet demand for specialized vehicles in the Botswana Trucks Import market.
• Track trade policy changes and BURS updates affecting HS Code 8704 to anticipate tariffs or regulatory shifts and adjust sourcing strategies proactively, protecting supply chain continuity.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Trucks Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Trucks Import 2025 April?

Botswana's trucks imports declined to $13.59 million in April 2025, continuing a sequential drop from January's $17.51 million. This reflects market volatility, likely due to inventory adjustments or seasonal demand shifts in logistics and construction sectors.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Trucks (HS Code 8704) 2025 April?

South Africa dominates with 92.77% of import value, followed by China as a niche supplier of premium models. Other origins like Japan and the UK contribute minimally.

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

Price gaps stem from product specialization: South Africa supplies mid-range diesel trucks under 5 tonnes ($2,695/unit), while China provides high-end spark-ignition models ($36,537/unit).

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

Importers should prioritize relationships with dominant manufacturers like SUZUKI and NISSAN while diversifying sources to mitigate over-reliance on South Africa, especially for premium Chinese models.

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

South African suppliers benefit from stable, high-volume demand, whereas Chinese exporters can target premium niches. Other suppliers face limited opportunities due to market concentration.

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

Imported trucks are primarily commercial vehicles for logistics and transport, with diesel models under 5 tonnes dominating for mid-range utility and spark-ignition variants serving specialized needs.