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

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Key Takeaways

Botswana’s trucks import under HS Code 8704 in March 2025 reveals a market split between high-volume, low-cost diesel trucks and premium-priced specialized vehicles, with pricing power concentrated in the latter. South Africa dominates supply (82.63% of value), creating geographic risk, while a single supplier cluster handles 93.63% of imports, highlighting reliance on intermediated trade. After a dip in February, import values stabilized in March at $16.16M, with unit prices partially recovering to $7.30/kg. This analysis is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database for March 2025.

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 mining industries, driving stable global demand due to their role in supply chains and infrastructure development. Botswana's reliance on imported trucks underscores their importance in supporting key economic sectors.

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 significant drop in July 2025 [Market Inside Data]. This volatility highlights the need to monitor Botswana's trucks import trends, especially as customs and excise duties, including safeguard and anti-dumping measures, evolve under the 2025 tariff schedule (BURS). Given Botswana's landlocked geography and growing mining sector, HS Code 8704 trade data remains a strategic indicator of economic activity and infrastructure investment. Market vigilance is essential to navigate these dynamics.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Price Trend

Key Observations

In March 2025, Botswana's imports of trucks under HS code 8704 reached 16.16 million USD, with a unit price of 7.30 USD per kilogram. This represents a stabilization in value after a decline from January's peak, while the per-kilogram cost showed a partial recovery from February's low.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Trucks Import trend displayed a sequential dip in value from January's 17.51 million USD to February's 16.17 million USD, before leveling off in March. Unit prices fell sharply in February to 6.88 USD/kg but edged up to 7.30 USD/kg in March, suggesting pricing adjustments amid fluctuating import conditions. This movement aligns with industry stock cycles and potential shifts in truck mix for sectors like mining or logistics. The volatility may be partly influenced by updated customs duties effective in January 2025 [BURS], which could have prompted importers to recalibrate costs amid broader economic factors. The hs code 8704 value trend reflects a market adapting to policy changes while maintaining steady import volumes.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's HS Code 8704 imports in March 2025 were dominated by a single product: the diesel-powered truck under 5 tonnes (HS 87042181). This product accounted for 43% of the total import value, driven by a high volume of shipments at a relatively low unit price of roughly $931 per truck. This points to a market heavily reliant on a high-volume, lower-cost workhorse vehicle for goods transport.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports reveal a split market structure. One group consists of higher-value diesel and gasoline trucks (HS 87042183, 87043181, 87042290, 87041025, 87041090), with unit prices ranging from approximately $23,000 to $65,000. These represent premium, higher-capacity, or specialized vehicles. The other group includes lower-value variants and general goods vehicles (HS 87042390, 87049090, 87042190, 87043190) with prices from about $57 to $11,000. This structure shows trade in differentiated manufactured goods, not a bulk commodity, with clear tiers based on engine type, capacity, and features.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This bifurcation means pricing power is segmented. Suppliers of the high-volume, low-cost trucks operate in a competitive market with thin margins. In contrast, suppliers of the premium and specialized trucks have stronger pricing power due to lower shipment frequency and higher value per unit. For businesses analyzing HS Code 8704 trade data, the strategic focus should be clear: compete on cost and volume in the dominant segment, or target niche, higher-margin opportunities in the premium truck market.

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 supplied 82.63% of the total import value for Botswana's Trucks in March 2025, establishing a clear dominant role. This partner's value share of 82.63% significantly outpaces its weight share of 59.76%, pointing to a flow of higher-value or more finished truck models rather than bulk parts or kits. The high frequency share of 72.67% confirms a steady, recurring supply chain relationship for these premium goods.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The remaining import origins form two distinct clusters. China Mainland represents a High-Yield Cluster, accounting for a significant 12.96% value share with a minimal 0.26% quantity share, which suggests shipments of very high-value components or fully built units. Japan and the United Kingdom form a Transactional Cluster, characterized by their high frequency shares (18.17% and 2.51% respectively) against low value contributions. This pattern indicates regular deliveries of smaller consignments, likely consisting of aftermarket parts or specialized components to support Botswana's trucking operations.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for its HS Code 8704 imports creates a concentrated supply chain. While stable, this dependency carries risk from any regional economic or logistical disruptions. The high-value nature of shipments from China offers a potential alternative for diversification, though this may come with longer lead times. The published tariff notes from BURS [BURS] highlight the need to monitor any future duty changes that could impact the total landed cost of trucks and parts from all these origins.

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

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Botswana Trucks (HS 8704) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the Botswana Trucks Import suppliers market in March 2025 is heavily dominated by a single cluster. This group handles high value and high frequency shipments, making up 93.63% of the total import value. The typical trade involves regular, large-scale transactions, with this cluster also accounting for 86.62% of shipment frequency and 65.80% of quantity.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The other clusters play minor roles, with one focusing on high value but low frequency deals, and others on lower value activities. The commercial persona of the dominant HS code 8704 suppliers points to an intermediated market, as key companies like DAN YANG TRADING CO LTD are trading firms. This suggests that imports are largely agent-driven, with traders facilitating most of the flow.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For importers in Botswana, the sourcing strategy should prioritize securing stable ties with high-value suppliers to ensure supply continuity. However, heavy reliance on this cluster poses a risk of disruption if supplier issues arise. The customs duties outlined by BURS could affect import costs, as detailed in their policy schedule [Botswana Unified Revenue Service]. Exploring diversification into smaller clusters might offer backup options and reduce vulnerability.

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

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Action Plan for Trucks Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 8704 trade data to identify and build relationships with secondary, high-value suppliers from China to diversify your sourcing beyond South Africa, mitigating the risk of disruption in the Botswana Trucks Import market.
• Analyze shipment frequency data from the dominant supplier cluster to forecast delivery schedules and optimize inventory levels, preventing both stockouts and overstocking in your Trucks supply chain.
• Monitor the unit price trends for both high-volume and premium truck categories within the hs code 8704 trade data to strategically target procurement, enabling you to compete on cost in the volume segment or pursue higher margins in niche markets.
• Regularly review the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) tariff notes for any changes impacting HS Code 8704, allowing you to accurately calculate total landed costs and avoid unexpected duties that affect profitability.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Trucks Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Botswana's truck imports stabilized in March 2025 after a dip in February, with unit prices partially recovering to $7.30/kg. The market is adapting to customs duty changes and fluctuating demand, balancing high-volume, low-cost trucks with premium, higher-value models.

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

South Africa dominated with 82.63% of import value, followed by China Mainland (12.96%) and Japan. South Africa’s shipments were high-frequency and high-value, while China’s were low-volume but premium-priced.

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

Price differences stem from product tiers: South Africa supplies mid-range diesel trucks (~$931–$65,000), while China ships high-value units. Japan and the UK focus on lower-value aftermarket parts or components.

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

Importers should prioritize stable ties with dominant high-value suppliers (93.63% of trade) but diversify to mitigate reliance on a single cluster. Exploring China’s high-yield options could offer alternatives.

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

Suppliers in South Africa benefit from steady demand, while Chinese exporters have niche opportunities for premium trucks. Smaller clusters (e.g., Japan) can target aftermarket parts or specialized components.

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

Trucks under HS Code 8704 serve as workhorses for goods transport, split between high-volume, low-cost models and premium, specialized vehicles for mining, logistics, or heavy-duty applications.