Botswana Wheat Import Market -- HS Code 1001 Trade Data & Price Trend (Sep 2025)

Botswana Wheat Import (HS 1001) Key Takeaways

Botswana's wheat imports under HS Code 1001 in September 2025 reveal a high-risk market dominated by bulk, non-specialized wheat from Russia, accounting for 60% of volume and value. Supplier concentration is extreme, with just two traders handling 97% of import value, while price volatility persists amid global trade pressures. The market shows signs of stabilization after mid-year turbulence, but reliance on a single product type and origin leaves Botswana vulnerable to supply shocks. This analysis is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database for September 2025.

Botswana Wheat Import (HS 1001) Background

What is HS Code 1001?

HS Code 1001 covers wheat and meslin, a staple commodity critical for food security and industrial processing. Wheat is primarily used in flour production for baked goods, pasta, and animal feed, driving consistent global demand. Its trade volume is heavily influenced by agricultural output, climate conditions, and geopolitical factors.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The United States recently increased additional duties on all imports from Botswana to 37%, effective April 2025 [Global Trade Alert]. This policy shift could disrupt Botswana's wheat import flows, particularly if alternative suppliers face similar barriers. As a landlocked nation reliant on imports for food staples, Botswana's HS Code 1001 trade data will be crucial to monitor for supply chain adjustments. Market vigilance is essential to assess the impact of tariff changes on pricing and sourcing strategies.

Botswana Wheat Import (HS 1001) Price Trend

Key Observations

In September 2025, Botswana's Wheat imports under HS code 1001 were valued at 3.90 million USD, with a unit price of $0.35 per kg. This represents a stabilization in the market after a period of volatility earlier in the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Botswana Wheat Import trend exhibited considerable fluctuation in 2025, peaking at 5.97 million USD in March before declining through mid-year. A sharp contraction in June and July saw values drop to 1.56 million USD, coupled with a price surge to $0.62 per kg in July, likely due to tightened global supply or logistical challenges. The recovery in August and September, with values rising sequentially to 3.90 million USD, aligns with typical post-harvest inventory adjustments and renewed import demand. This volatility may be partly attributed to broader trade pressures, such as the US tariff increase on Botswana exports in April [Global Trade Alert], which could have strained foreign exchange reserves and influenced import scheduling. The hs code 1001 value trend indicates a market adapting to external economic shifts while maintaining core consumption needs.

Botswana Wheat Import (HS 1001) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Botswana's import activities under HS Code 1001 in September 2025 are overwhelmingly concentrated on a single product: non-durum wheat for general use, which accounts for nearly all the volume and value. This bulk commodity is imported at a low average price of $0.34 per kilogram. A minor, isolated anomaly exists for a small quantity of high-priced durum wheat, imported at over $167 per kilogram, but this shipment is statistically insignificant and separate from the main trade flow.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The market structure for Botswana's HS Code 1001 trade data reveals a highly homogeneous import profile focused exclusively on basic, non-specialized wheat for milling or consumption. This lack of variety—with no significant imports of seed wheat, organic grades, or processed wheat products—confirms that Botswana's imports under this code are典型的 bulk commodities. Such trade is characteristic of fungible goods traded on volume, where price is closely linked to global agricultural indices rather than product differentiation or brand value.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This market structure leaves little room for buyer-side pricing power, as Botswana depends almost entirely on a single type of wheat import. Suppliers of standard non-durum wheat hold significant leverage due to this concentrated demand. For businesses or policymakers analyzing HS Code 1001 trade data, the strategic focus should remain on securing stable supply chains and monitoring global price trends, rather than seeking competitive advantage through product specialization or grade diversification.

Table: Botswana HS Code 1001) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 1001 Breakdown

Botswana Wheat Import (HS 1001) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Russia was the dominant source for Botswana's Wheat imports in September 2025, supplying over 60% of the total volume and nearly 60% of the total value. This points to a heavy reliance on a single origin for this staple commodity. The country's weight share of 61.53% slightly exceeds its value share of 59.47%, a profile typical of bulk trade in lower-cost, essential goods. The high shipment frequency of 194 further confirms a steady, large-volume supply chain for a core food security item.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The remaining import sources form two clear clusters. South Africa, Germany, and Namibia constitute a mid-tier supply group. Each shows a relatively balanced profile between volume, value, and frequency, suggesting they provide consistent shipments of standard wheat grades. Australia represents a minimal, niche presence. Its extremely low volume but higher relative value per unit indicates occasional shipments of a potentially specialized or premium wheat product, rather than bulk supply.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Botswana's wheat supply chain faces significant concentration risk due to its overwhelming dependency on Russia. Any geopolitical disruption or export restriction from this single origin could immediately impact national food security and pricing. The strategy must prioritize diversifying its import sources to build a more resilient and competitive sourcing base. Developing stronger trade ties with other major global wheat producers would help mitigate this vulnerability and secure a stable supply of this essential commodity.

Table: Botswana Wheat (HS 1001) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Botswana Wheat (HS 1001) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In September 2025, the Botswana Wheat import market shows extreme supplier concentration. According to yTrade data, a small group of high value high frequency suppliers dominates, handling 97.15% of the import value and 94.74% of shipment frequency. This core group, including SEABOARD and GRAINVEST PHYSICALS PTY LTD, sets the standard for Botswana Wheat import suppliers, with typical trade involving large, regular shipments.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

Other supplier clusters play minor roles, with low value groups contributing under 3% in total. The profile of hs code 1001 suppliers points to an intermediated market, as key names like SEABOARD involve trading activities, indicating agent-driven supply chains rather than direct farm or factory links. This suggests that most Wheat imports to Botswana flow through specialized traders.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

Botswana's heavy reliance on a few traders creates vulnerability to supply shocks or price changes. Importers should prioritize diversifying their supplier base to reduce risk. The US duty increase on all imports from Botswana, reported by [Global Trade Alert], adds cost pressure and underscores the need for flexible sourcing strategies to handle external trade barriers.

Table: Botswana Wheat (HS 1001) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Wheat Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify your supplier base beyond the dominant high-frequency traders by targeting mid-tier suppliers from alternative origins like South Africa or Germany. This reduces vulnerability to price shocks and supply disruptions in Botswana's Wheat Import market.
• Use hs code 1001 trade data to monitor global price indices and geopolitical events affecting key origins like Russia. This allows for proactive procurement to lock in prices before market volatility impacts costs.
• Develop contingency plans with logistics partners for rerouting shipments from alternative origins to mitigate risks in the Wheat supply chain. This ensures continuous supply if disruptions occur with primary trade routes.
• Analyze shipment frequency and volume data to optimize inventory levels, avoiding both shortages and costly overstock. This balances supply security with cost efficiency for essential wheat imports.

Take Action Now —— Explore Botswana Wheat Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Botswana's wheat imports stabilized at $3.9M in September 2025 after mid-year volatility, including a July price surge to $0.62/kg due to global supply constraints. The recovery aligns with post-harvest adjustments and reflects adaptation to external pressures like US tariff hikes.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of Botswana Wheat (HS Code 1001) 2025 September?

Russia dominated Botswana's wheat imports, supplying 60% of volume and value. South Africa, Germany, and Namibia formed a mid-tier group, while Australia contributed minimal niche volumes.

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

The price gap stems from Botswana's bulk imports of standard non-durum wheat ($0.34/kg) versus rare high-value durum wheat ($167/kg), with Russia supplying the former and Australia potentially shipping specialized grades.

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

Importers must diversify suppliers beyond Russia to mitigate geopolitical risks and reduce reliance on dominant traders like SEABOARD, which control 97% of import value.

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

Suppliers of bulk non-durum wheat hold strong leverage due to Botswana's concentrated demand, while niche producers (e.g., Australia) face limited but premium opportunities.

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

Botswana imports almost exclusively non-durum wheat for milling or direct consumption, indicating a focus on basic food security needs rather than processed or specialty products.