Botswana Trucks Import Market -- HS Code 8704 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Key Takeaways

Botswana's trucks import market under HS Code 8704 in Q1 2025 is dominated by diesel-powered vehicles under 5 tonnes, with a clear segmentation by engine type and size driving price tiers. The market saw a slight decline in value from January to March, with unit prices fluctuating between $6.88 and $9.90 per kg, reflecting seasonal procurement shifts. Supplier concentration is high, with a few key players like DAN YANG TRADING controlling nearly 90% of import value, creating supply chain risks. South Africa supplies over 70% of imports by value, highlighting heavy reliance on a single origin. Strategic diversification is critical to mitigate vulnerabilities in this structured yet concentrated market. This analysis is based on cleanly processed Q1 2025 customs data from the yTrade database.

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 chain efficiency. Botswana's reliance on imported trucks underscores their importance for infrastructure development and economic growth.

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 in early 2025 [Tendata]. The country recorded peak import values in June 2025 ($159.06K) for new trucks, reflecting ongoing industrial demand [Market Inside Data]. Botswana's strategic position as a regional logistics hub amplifies the significance of HS Code 8704 trade data, necessitating close monitoring of tariff policies and import trends to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Price Trend

Key Observations

Botswana's truck imports under HS code 8704 saw a slight decrease in value during Q1 2025, starting at 17.51 million USD in January and ending at 16.16 million USD in March, with unit prices ranging from $6.88 to $9.90 per kg.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Trucks Import trend dipped in February to 16.17 million USD, down from January's peak, as unit prices fell to $6.88 per kg, potentially due to a shift toward bulk or lower-cost models. March stabilized at 16.16 million USD with a price increase to $7.30 per kg, suggesting a rebound in demand or inventory rebalancing. This pattern correlates with market concentration among key players, as noted in import data from March [Tendata], where large orders can drive monthly volatility. The hs code 8704 value trend typically follows seasonal procurement cycles, often aligning with infrastructure or fiscal year timelines.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q1 2025, Botswana's import of trucks under HS Code 8704 is dominated by diesel-powered goods vehicles under 5 tonnes, specifically the type with compression-ignition engines. According to yTrade data, this category accounts for over 40% of the total quantity imported and about one-third of the import value, with an average unit price of approximately 1,100 USD per vehicle. A notable anomaly is the import of high-value off-highway dumpers, which have an extremely high unit price of over 218,000 USD per vehicle, isolated from the main analysis due to its outlier nature.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports are structured into three main groups: lower-priced diesel trucks under 5 tonnes with unit prices around 180 to 3,130 USD, spark-ignition engine trucks under 5 tonnes averaging 3,000 to 6,200 USD, and larger diesel trucks over 5 tonnes with prices ranging from 360 to 7,650 USD. This variety indicates a trade in differentiated manufactured goods rather than fungible commodities, with clear segmentation by engine type and vehicle size influencing price tiers.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For businesses involved in Botswana's HS Code 8704 import activities, pricing power is likely stronger for suppliers of specialized or larger trucks, while competition may be intense in the lower-priced segments. Strategic focus should prioritize sourcing based on specific operational needs, such as fuel efficiency or load capacity, to navigate this structured market effectively.

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 truck imports in Q1 2025, supplying over 70% of the total import value. This share of $35.30 million is significantly higher than the next largest supplier. However, its share of the total quantity, at nearly 90%, is even greater than its value share. This gap suggests Botswana primarily imports more affordable or lower-specification truck models from its neighbor.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The remaining suppliers form two clear clusters. The first is a high-yield group including the United States, China, and Finland. They collectively provide over 25% of the import value but a minimal share of the units, indicating shipments of premium, higher-priced trucks. The second is a transactional cluster led by Japan and the United Kingdom. Japan's high shipment frequency of 372 against a modest value share points to a supply chain built on regular, smaller shipments of parts or specific vehicle types.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's truck import market is heavily dependent on a single origin, South Africa, which presents a clear supply chain risk. While this ensures cost efficiency and logistical simplicity, any disruption would severely impact availability. A strategic shift should focus on developing the smaller, premium channels from the US and China to diversify the source of higher-value vehicles and mitigate over-reliance on one partner for the bulk of its needs.

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

Get Complete Origin Countries Profile

Botswana Trucks (HS 8704) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the Botswana trucks import suppliers market in Q1 2025 is highly concentrated, with a small group of high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominating. This cluster holds 89.64% of the import value, indicating that most trade comes from regular, large-volume shipments. The typical import involves consistent transactions from these key players, shaping the market's core dynamics.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

Other clusters include suppliers with high value but low frequency, low value with high frequency, and those with low value and low frequency, each contributing smaller shares. The dominant suppliers, such as DAN YANG TRADING and AVON INTERNATIONAL, point to an intermediated market where trading firms facilitate most imports. The profile of HS code 8704 suppliers suggests an agent-driven supply chain, with these companies acting as central connectors.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For importers in Botswana, reliance on a few high-value suppliers offers efficiency but risks disruption if dependencies are not managed. Strategic focus should include strengthening relationships with dominant players while diversifying sources to reduce vulnerability. News from Tendata confirms the presence of major importers, underscoring this concentrated structure and the need for careful supply chain planning. [Tendata]

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

Check Full Trucks Supplier lists

Action Plan for Trucks Market Operation and Expansion

• Use hs code 8704 trade data to identify and build relationships with the dominant high-value, high-frequency suppliers. This secures reliable access to the core of the Botswana Trucks Import market and ensures stable pricing.
• Develop a secondary sourcing strategy targeting premium suppliers from the US and China to diversify your Trucks supply chain. This reduces over-reliance on South Africa and mitigates significant supply disruption risk.
• Analyze the detailed hs code 8704 trade data to match truck specifications (engine type, load capacity) with your operational needs. This prevents overpaying for unnecessary features or underbuying on critical performance.
• Monitor shipment frequency data from key partners like Japan to anticipate parts or vehicle availability. This allows for better inventory planning within your Trucks supply chain and avoids costly operational delays.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Trucks Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The slight decline in import value from January to March 2025 is linked to shifting unit prices, with February’s drop likely due to bulk or lower-cost model imports. March’s rebound suggests demand stabilization or inventory adjustments, reflecting seasonal procurement cycles.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Trucks (HS Code 8704) 2025 Q1?

South Africa dominates, supplying over 70% of import value and nearly 90% of units. The US, China, and Finland form a premium cluster, contributing 25% of value but fewer units, while Japan and the UK focus on frequent, smaller shipments.

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

Price tiers stem from vehicle specialization: South Africa supplies affordable diesel trucks under 5 tonnes, while the US/China/Finland group ships high-value models (e.g., off-highway dumpers at ~218,000 USD). Japan’s frequent, lower-value shipments suggest parts or niche vehicles.

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

Prioritize sourcing from dominant suppliers like DAN YANG TRADING for efficiency but diversify with premium suppliers (US/China) to mitigate over-reliance on South Africa. Align purchases with operational needs (e.g., fuel type, load capacity) to navigate segmented price tiers.

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

South African suppliers benefit from bulk demand, while US/Chinese firms have niche opportunities in high-value segments. Trading firms (e.g., AVON INTERNATIONAL) play a key intermediary role, but market volatility calls for flexible shipment strategies.

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

Imports cater to differentiated needs: lower-priced diesel trucks for light logistics, spark-ignition models for mid-range tasks, and premium dumpers/larger diesels for heavy-duty operations, reflecting Botswana’s structured demand for varied commercial use.

Detailed Monthly Report

Botswana HS8704 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

Botswana HS8704 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

Botswana HS8704 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR