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

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Key Takeaways

Botswana's Trucks Import under HS Code 8704 in September 2025 reveals a market dominated by high-value diesel trucks under 5 tonnes GVW, with imports declining sharply to $9.81 million—the lowest monthly value of the year. The market is highly concentrated, with a single supplier group handling 96.5% of import value, creating significant supply chain vulnerability. South Africa supplies 85% of imports, primarily lower-value or used trucks, while premium models come from China, Japan, and Europe. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Botswana's reliance on a narrow supplier network and regional trade hub, urging diversification to mitigate risks.

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 trucks import under this code reflects its reliance on these vehicles for domestic and cross-border trade.

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 influence cross-border logistics. Botswana's strategic position as a landlocked economy underscores the importance of trucks for regional trade, making hs code 8704 trade data a key indicator of economic activity. Vigilance in tracking Botswana's trucks import trends is essential to anticipate supply chain disruptions and policy impacts.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) Price Trend

Key Observations

In September 2025, Botswana's import of trucks under HS code 8704 reached a value of $9.81 million, with a unit price of $6.64 per kilogram, marking the lowest monthly value in the year to date.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Trucks Import trend shows a consistent decline in value from $17.51 million in January to $9.81 million in September, with only minor monthly fluctuations, such as a slight uptick in May. This downward trajectory aligns with policy influences like tariff rate quotas (TRQ) that limit import windows to March through November, as outlined in Botswana's tariff schedules [BURS], likely prompting early-year stockpiling and a subsequent reduction as the period progresses. The hs code 8704 value trend reflects this pattern, common in vehicle markets where import cycles are shaped by regulatory timelines and seasonal demand shifts in sectors like mining or infrastructure.

Botswana Trucks Import (HS 8704) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's import of HS Code 8704 in September 2025 is heavily concentrated in diesel-powered trucks under 5 tonnes GVW, specifically the model coded 87042181. This product dominates with a 45.35% share of the total import value, despite only making up 3.11% of the quantity, indicating a high unit price of $27,816 per truck that underscores its specialized role in the market.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports are split into two main groups: higher-value diesel trucks for heavier goods transport, like those over 5 tonnes GVW, and lower-priced spark-ignition gasoline trucks. This structure shows a clear differentiation in engine types and weight classes, confirming that HS Code 8704 trade data represents manufactured goods with varied specifications, not uniform commodities.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For buyers in Botswana, the high concentration in premium diesel trucks suggests limited pricing power and a need to focus on reliable suppliers for these models. Diversifying into alternative engine types or weight classes could mitigate risks and leverage better terms in future HS Code 8704 import activities.

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 September 2025, accounting for 85.14% of the import value and 98.52% of the quantity. The value share is lower than the quantity share, indicating that imports from South Africa consist of lower-value or possibly used trucks, rather than premium models. The high frequency share of 79.40% shows regular shipments, but it aligns closely with value, suggesting consistent trade without extreme fragmentation. This setup points to South Africa as a key supplier for cost-effective truck options in Botswana's market.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The remaining origin countries form two clusters based on share profiles. First, a High-Yield Cluster includes China, Portugal, Japan, and the United Kingdom, where value shares exceed quantity shares—for example, China has a value ratio of 7.88% but only 0.35% quantity. This suggests imports of higher-spec or premium trucks from these manufacturing hubs. Second, a Minor Cluster with Namibia and Zambia has very low shares (e.g., value under 0.06%), indicating minimal regional trade, likely for niche or incidental needs rather than structured supply chains.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Trucks imports creates supply chain risks, such as potential disruptions from regional instability or trade policy changes. Diversifying sources to include High-Yield Cluster countries like China or Japan could mitigate this dependency and provide access to more advanced truck models. News from [Market Inside Data] notes high import values in June and July 2025, supporting a trend of strong demand that may require stabilized sourcing strategies. Focusing on HS Code 8704 trade data, Botswana should consider building relationships with multiple suppliers to ensure consistent import flows.

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 is highly concentrated. One group of suppliers dominates, handling 96.5% of the total import value and 82.8% of all shipments in September 2025. This means almost all trade activity comes from a small set of key partners. The typical import involves high-value, frequent shipments.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 8704 suppliers indicates a direct-to-factory market. The dominant group includes companies like Zeerust Toyota and Dwayne Motors, which are direct dealers or distributors. A smaller cluster handles lower-value but frequent shipments, represented by firms like Domsat and PJ Cars. No trade occurs through infrequent or low-value, low-frequency suppliers.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana's sourcing strategy should focus on maintaining strong relationships with its core high-value suppliers, as they are the lifeline for truck imports. The high concentration creates vulnerability to supply disruptions from these few partners. The news of ongoing tariff arrangements [marketinsidedata] reinforces the need for stable supplier agreements to navigate trade policy.

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

Check Full Trucks Supplier lists

Action Plan for Trucks Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify your core supplier base beyond the dominant few. Use hs code 8704 trade data to identify and onboard alternative high-value suppliers from the High-Yield Cluster (e.g., China, Japan). This reduces vulnerability to disruptions in Botswana's Trucks Import supply chain and ensures access to advanced models.
• Analyze product specifications within HS Code 8704 to optimize cost and utility. Focus on importing a mix of diesel and gasoline trucks across weight classes, not just premium models. This balances your Trucks supply chain costs and meets diverse operational needs in Botswana.
• Leverage shipment frequency data to negotiate better terms with key suppliers. Regular, high-volume orders for core models (like 87042181) can secure pricing advantages and priority allocation, stabilizing your Botswana Trucks Import strategy.
• Develop sourcing partnerships with suppliers in South Africa and High-Yield countries simultaneously. This dual approach mitigates geographic risk in your Trucks supply chain while maintaining cost-efficiency and access to both value and premium segments.
• Monitor hs code 8704 trade data monthly to anticipate demand shifts and tariff changes. Proactive data use allows you to adjust import volumes and supplier mix quickly, avoiding stockouts or excess inventory in Botswana's dynamic market.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Trucks Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The decline in import value to $9.81 million reflects a broader downward trend due to tariff rate quotas (TRQ) limiting imports to March-November, prompting early-year stockpiling and reduced demand later.

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

South Africa dominates with 85.14% of import value, followed by China (7.88%), Portugal, Japan, and the UK, which supply higher-value trucks.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization: South Africa supplies lower-value or used trucks, while China and others export premium diesel models like the $27,816 87042181 trucks.

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

Importers should prioritize stable relationships with core high-value suppliers (e.g., Zeerust Toyota) while diversifying into High-Yield Cluster countries like China to mitigate supply chain risks.

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

Suppliers in South Africa benefit from consistent demand for cost-effective trucks, while premium manufacturers in China/Japan have growth opportunities given Botswana’s reliance on specialized models.

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

Imports are primarily diesel-powered trucks for goods transport, split between heavy-duty models (over 5 tonnes GVW) and lighter spark-ignition gasoline variants.