Botswana Vehicle Parts Import Market -- HS Code 8708 Trade Data & Price Trend (May 2025)

Botswana Vehicle Parts Import (HS 8708) Key Takeaways

Botswana's Vehicle Parts Import under HS Code 8708 surged to $10.04M in May 2025, with unit prices rebounding sharply to $14.35/kg after April's dip, reflecting volatile demand and trade policy sensitivity. The market is dominated by bulk imports of standard parts from South Africa (63% frequency share), while premium components arrive from the US and Germany at higher unit prices. Supplier concentration is extreme, with just one cluster handling 79% of import value, exposing Botswana to supply chain risks. This analysis covers May 2025 and is based on processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Botswana Vehicle Parts Import (HS 8708) Background

What is HS Code 8708?

HS Code 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including components like bumpers, brakes, and suspension systems. These products are critical for automotive manufacturing and maintenance, driving steady global demand. Industries ranging from OEMs to aftermarket suppliers rely on this trade flow, making it a key segment in international commerce.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The United States increased additional duties on all imports from Botswana to 37%, effective April 2025 [GlobalTradeAlert]. This policy shift underscores the need for vigilance in Botswana's vehicle parts import market, particularly for HS Code 8708 trade data. Botswana’s role as a supplier of automotive components is now under heightened scrutiny, with potential ripple effects on pricing and supply chains. Stakeholders must monitor these developments closely to navigate the evolving trade landscape.

Botswana Vehicle Parts Import (HS 8708) Price Trend

Key Observations

In May 2025, Botswana's Vehicle Parts imports under HS code 8708 surged to a value of 10.04 million USD, with the unit price rising sharply to $14.35 per kg, indicating a strong rebound in both value and pricing after a period of fluctuation.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Vehicle Parts Import trend showed volatility from January to May, with value dipping in February and April before the May surge. Unit prices remained stable around $12.41–12.52 per kg through March but dropped to $12.16 in April, coinciding with the U.S. duty increase on imports from Botswana effective April 9, as reported by [Global Trade Alert], which may have introduced short-term economic uncertainty. The rebound in May aligns with potential inventory adjustments or resilient automotive demand, reflecting the hs code 8708 value trend's sensitivity to trade policy shifts and seasonal economic cycles.

Botswana Vehicle Parts Import (HS 8708) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In May 2025, Botswana's import activities under HS Code 8708 show a strong focus on general vehicle parts and accessories, according to yTrade data. The dominant sub-category is "Vehicle parts and accessories; n.e.c. in heading no. 8708," which accounts for the largest share of imports by value and quantity, with a unit price of 14.17 USD per unit. A separate, high-value anomaly is noted for "Vehicle parts; road wheels and parts and accessories thereof," which has a significantly higher unit price of 381.02 USD per unit but minimal import volume, indicating it is a niche, specialized component isolated from the main market pool.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining imports are grouped into two main categories based on unit price: standard parts with prices under 20 USD per unit, such as body parts and suspension systems, and premium parts with prices above 40 USD per unit, including drive-axles and radiators. This structure suggests that Botswana's HS Code 8708 trade data points to a market for differentiated manufactured goods, where products vary in complexity and value-add stage rather than being uniform commodities.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For buyers in Botswana, the high concentration in lower-priced standard parts may limit pricing power due to reliance on bulk imports, while the premium segments offer opportunities for strategic sourcing of higher-quality components. Analyzing HS Code 8708 import patterns can help businesses focus on diversifying suppliers or targeting high-value niches to improve negotiation leverage.

Table: Botswana HS Code 8708) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 8708 Breakdown

Botswana Vehicle Parts Import (HS 8708) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

SOUTH AFRICA is the dominant origin for Botswana's Vehicle Parts imports in May 2025, holding a 63.04% frequency share, 53.47% quantity share, and 44.98% value share. The value share is lower than the quantity share, indicating that imports from South Africa consist of lower-value or bulk components rather than premium parts. The high frequency suggests frequent, small shipments, typical for aftermarket parts or just-in-time supply chains in the auto industry.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origins cluster into two groups based on share profiles. The first cluster includes South Africa and China, with high quantity shares (53.47% and 24.87% respectively), indicating they are bulk suppliers of lower-cost components or hubs for Vehicle Parts. The second cluster comprises the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Italy, where value shares exceed quantity shares (e.g., US value share is 9.70% vs. quantity 3.81%), pointing to imports of higher-value, premium parts, likely from established OEM networks or specialized manufacturers.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's heavy reliance on South Africa for Vehicle Parts imports poses a supply chain risk, suggesting a need to diversify sourcing to include more premium suppliers like the US or Germany for stability. The recent US tariff increase on imports from Botswana [Global Trade Alert] could indirectly affect supply chains by potentially raising costs for re-exports or related trade flows, but it does not directly alter import patterns for HS Code 8708 parts in this period.

Table: Botswana Vehicle Parts (HS 8708) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Vehicle Parts (HS 8708) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In May 2025, the market for Botswana's Vehicle Parts Import suppliers was highly concentrated, with a single cluster dominating the trade. According to yTrade data, suppliers with high value and high frequency shipments held 79.18% of the total import value, making them the primary source. This group, including companies like VOLVO GROUP SOUTHERN AFRICA PTY LTD, handled the majority of transactions and volumes, defining the typical import pattern for this period.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining clusters—high value low frequency, low value high frequency, and low value low frequency—played smaller roles, together accounting for less than 21% of the value. The dominant cluster's profile, with manufacturers such as ISUZU MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA, points to a direct-to-factory sourcing model for HS code 8708 suppliers, indicating strong ties to industrial producers rather than intermediaries or traders.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana's import strategy relies heavily on a few key suppliers, which offers efficiency but increases vulnerability to supply disruptions or price changes. Diversifying sources could mitigate risks, especially given the concentrated nature of this market. The current model is cost-effective but requires careful monitoring to avoid over-dependence.

Table: Botswana Vehicle Parts (HS 8708) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Vehicle Parts Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify the Botswana Vehicle Parts Import sources by analyzing hs code 8708 trade data to include premium suppliers from countries like the US or Germany. This reduces over-reliance on South Africa and mitigates supply chain risks from disruptions or price volatility.
• Use buyer frequency data from the Vehicle Parts supply chain to optimize inventory cycles and prevent overstock. This improves cost efficiency by aligning stock levels with actual demand patterns and reducing holding costs.
• Target high-value niches in the market by focusing on sub-categories with higher unit prices, identified through hs code 8708 trade data. This enhances pricing power and profit margins by sourcing specialized components rather than bulk standard parts.
• Strengthen relationships with OEM or Tier-1 suppliers by leveraging trade data to identify key manufacturers for better contract terms. This ensures stable supply, access to advanced technology, and improved negotiation leverage.
• Monitor geopolitical risks, such as recent US tariff changes, using trade alerts to adapt sourcing strategies quickly. This prevents cost increases and disruptions in the Vehicle Parts supply chain, maintaining import stability.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Vehicle Parts Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Botswana Vehicle Parts Import 2025 May?

The surge in May 2025 to 10.04 million USD reflects a rebound from earlier volatility, likely due to inventory adjustments or resilient demand. The unit price increase to $14.35 per kg suggests recovery after a dip linked to U.S. tariff policy shifts in April.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Vehicle Parts (HS Code 8708) 2025 May?

South Africa dominates with 63.04% frequency and 53.47% quantity shares, followed by China (24.87% quantity). The U.S., Germany, and Japan supply higher-value parts, with the U.S. holding a 9.70% value share.

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

Price gaps stem from product specialization: South Africa and China supply bulk, lower-cost parts (e.g., standard components under $20/unit), while the U.S. and EU countries provide premium parts like drive-axles (over $40/unit).

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

Diversify suppliers beyond South Africa to mitigate concentration risks and target premium segments (e.g., U.S./German parts) for higher-quality components, balancing cost efficiency with strategic sourcing.

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

Suppliers in South Africa benefit from bulk demand but face competition on price, while premium suppliers (U.S./Germany) have niche opportunities due to Botswana’s reliance on their high-value, specialized parts.

Q6. How is Vehicle Parts typically used in this trade flow?

Imports under HS Code 8708 primarily serve automotive maintenance and assembly, with standard parts for repairs and premium components likely integrated into manufacturing or advanced vehicle systems.