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

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Key Takeaways

Botswana's trucks import under HS Code 8704 in August 2025 reveals a market dominated by high-value diesel light trucks, with South Africa supplying 90% of imports amid declining overall trade value. The product structure is specialized, led by premium diesel models like 87042181, while supplier concentration poses risks with just a few manufacturers like SANY and NISSAN driving 97% of import value. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Botswana's reliance on a narrow supply chain and declining demand, urging diversification to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Background

What is HS Code 8704?

HS Code 8704 covers motor vehicles designed for the transport of goods, commonly referred to as trucks. These vehicles are critical for logistics, construction, and agriculture, driving stable global demand due to their role in supply chains. Botswana's trucks import under this code reflects its reliance on road transport for economic activities.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Botswana recorded its highest import value of new trucks (HS Code 8704909010) in June 2025, reaching USD 159.06K, followed by a decline in July [Market Inside Data]. This fluctuation aligns with regional trade policies, such as Namibia's seasonal import restrictions, which may indirectly influence Botswana's supply dynamics. The country's strategic position as a landlocked nation amplifies its dependence on truck imports for cross-border trade and domestic logistics. Monitoring Botswana's trucks import trends under HS Code 8704 trade data is essential to anticipate supply chain disruptions and policy shifts. Vigilance is warranted as regional trade agreements and tariff adjustments could reshape market access.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Price Trend

Key Observations

In August 2025, Botswana's import value for trucks under HS code 8704 was $10.86 million, with a unit price of $7.92 per kilogram, reflecting a continued decline from earlier in the year. This performance underscores a broader downward trend in the Botswana Trucks Import trend for 2025.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 8704 value trend shows a steady decrease from $17.51 million in January to $10.86 million in August, with notable volatility in unit prices and volumes. This decline aligns with seasonal import patterns influenced by policy measures, such as the tariff rate quota restrictions noted in the [Botswana Unified Revenue Service] that limit certain imports to the March-November window, potentially causing fluctuations in supply timing. The sequential drop from July's $12.16 million suggests ongoing adjustments in inventory cycles or economic headwinds, rather than a sudden shift, indicating cautious market behavior amid regulatory frameworks.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for August 2025, Botswana's import of HS Code 8704 is heavily concentrated in diesel-powered light trucks. The market is dominated by the sub-code 87042181, "Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes)". This single category accounts for 40% of the total import value and 31% of the units shipped, with an average unit price of $28,970. This high value share relative to its quantity share confirms its role as the specialized, high-value core of Botswana's truck imports.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining non-anomalous imports fall into two clear tiers. The first is a group of higher-value diesel and spark-ignition trucks (like 87043181 and 87042290), with unit prices ranging from $15,185 to $32,289. The second tier consists of lower-specification variants (like 87043190 and 87042190), with significantly lower unit prices around $4,700 to $6,300. A small, emerging hybrid electric van category (87044181) is also present. The wide range in unit prices and specific engine types indicates this is a trade in differentiated manufactured goods, not a bulk commodity market.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This structure gives significant pricing power to suppliers of the core diesel light truck models, which form the bulk of Botswana's HS Code 8704 import value. Buyers should focus their sourcing strategies on these key product categories. The data on HS Code 8704 trade data also shows a potential growth niche in hybrid commercial vehicles, though volumes are currently small. For companies analyzing Botswana's import trends, competition will be strongest in the market for conventional diesel and gasoline-powered light trucks.

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

Check Detailed HS Code 8704 Breakdown

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

South Africa is the dominant source for Botswana's trucks imports in August 2025, accounting for 90.08% of the import value, 80.83% of the quantity, and 80.47% of the shipment frequency. The value share slightly exceeds the quantity share, suggesting that trucks from South Africa may include higher-grade or more finished models, which is typical for manufactured goods like vehicles. The high frequency indicates regular and reliable supply chain interactions, supporting Botswana's dependence on this origin for its truck needs.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import origins can be grouped into two main clusters based on their share profiles. First, the dominant cluster is South Africa, which serves as the primary supplier with balanced high shares across value, quantity, and frequency, likely due to geographic proximity and established trade networks for trucks. Second, a high-yield cluster includes China, Germany, and South Korea, where value shares (5.85%, 0.48%, 0.26% respectively) are higher than their quantity shares (2.08%, 0.21%, 0.21%), indicating imports of premium or specialized truck models from these countries. A volume cluster features Japan and the United Kingdom, with quantity shares (14.79% and 1.46%) surpassing value shares (2.71% and 0.51%), pointing to more frequent shipments of standard or lower-end trucks, possibly for cost-effective logistics or aftermarket parts.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for trucks imports poses a supply chain risk due to limited diversification. To enhance stability, Botswana should consider expanding sourcing from other regions like Asia or Europe, which offer premium options but currently have low shares. This strategy could mitigate potential disruptions and tap into a wider range of truck varieties. Monitoring trade data for HS Code 8704 will be key to adapting sourcing strategies effectively.

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 August 2025, the Botswana Trucks Import suppliers market is highly concentrated, with a small number of key players driving most of the trade. According to yTrade data, high-value, high-frequency suppliers account for 96.97% of the import value and 86.33% of the shipment frequency. This means that nearly all truck imports come from a few dominant sources, making the market reliant on these major suppliers.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, including SANY SOUTHERN AFRICA and NISSAN SOUTH AFRICA, are manufacturers, indicating a Direct-to-Factory sourcing model for HS code 8704 suppliers. This suggests that imports are sourced directly from production bases, reducing intermediation. The low-value cluster, with companies like NIHON JIDOSHA CO. LTD, plays a minor role, contributing only 3.03% in value, and may represent smaller or niche players in the market.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

This supplier structure requires Botswana to focus on strengthening ties with major manufacturers to secure consistent supply, but it also poses a risk due to over-reliance on few sources. Any disruptions could impact truck availability. The high import values in recent months, as noted by [Market Inside Data], highlight the sector's importance, suggesting a need for diversification to manage potential vulnerabilities.

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

Check Full Trucks Supplier lists

Action Plan for Trucks Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify sourcing beyond South Africa by engaging suppliers from China and South Korea to mitigate supply chain risk; this reduces over-reliance on a single origin for Botswana's Trucks Import and taps into premium vehicle options.
• Use hs code 8704 trade data to identify and target high-value sub-codes like 87042181 in procurement strategies; this focuses spending on the core product categories that drive the majority of import value.
• Strengthen direct relationships with major manufacturers like SANY and Nissan to secure stable supply and better contract terms; this leverages the existing Direct-to-Factory model to improve the Trucks supply chain resilience.
• Monitor shipment frequency and volume data monthly to anticipate disruptions and adjust inventory levels; this proactive approach prevents stockouts and minimizes downtime in the Botswana Trucks Import operations.
• Explore the emerging hybrid electric van segment (HS code 87044181) for future procurement trials; this positions buyers to capture early growth in a niche market before competition intensifies.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Trucks Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Botswana's truck imports declined to $10.86 million in August 2025, continuing a downward trend from earlier in the year. This reflects seasonal tariff restrictions and cautious market behavior amid regulatory adjustments.

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

South Africa dominates, supplying 90.08% of import value, followed by China (5.85%) and Japan (2.71%). These three account for nearly all of Botswana’s truck imports.

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

Prices vary due to product specialization—South Africa supplies high-value diesel trucks (e.g., 87042181 at $28,970/unit), while Japan ships lower-cost standard models. Premium imports from China and Germany also skew unit prices upward.

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

Importers should prioritize securing supply from dominant manufacturers like SANY SOUTHERN AFRICA, while exploring hybrid electric vans (e.g., 87044181) as a niche growth segment. Diversifying beyond South Africa could mitigate supply risks.

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

Suppliers in South Africa benefit from stable demand, but Asian and European manufacturers have opportunities to expand premium truck exports, given Botswana’s reliance on a single origin.

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

Imported trucks (HS Code 8704) are primarily diesel-powered light trucks for goods transport, with specialized high-value models forming the bulk of Botswana’s demand.