Carbonate exports from Botswana: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of carbonate by Botswana reached $81.2 million in 2024 (270.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 32% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $81.2M | 270.5K t |
| 2023 | $61.6M | 248.6K t |
| 2022 | $60.8M | 289.2K t |
| 2021 | $49.1M | 272.7K t |
| 2020 | $39.9M | 261.2K t |
| 2019 | $44.7M | 272.8K t |
| 2018 | $50.5M | 261.1K t |
| 2017 | $44.0M | 263.5K t |
Where Botswana exports carbonate to
South Africa alone took 99% of it. Among the main buyer markets, South Africa grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $80.6M | 99% |
| Zambia | $404K | 0.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $231K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $18K | 0% |
| Ukraine | $1K | 0% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2836
| 2836.20 | Soda ash | 100% |
| 2836.30 | Sodium bicarbonate | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2836.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.30 per kg, 33% below the world average of $0.45, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Carbonate imports to Botswana
Botswana imported $906 thousand of carbonate in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 98% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $888K | 98% |
| China | $16K | 1.8% |
| Zambia | $2K | 0.2% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Botswana?
The shipment records behind Botswana carbonate exports (HS 2836): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2836: Carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate.
Common questions
What is the value of carbonate exported by Botswana?
Botswana exported carbonate worth $81.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 270.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 157 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 32% on 2023.
Which countries buy carbonate from Botswana?
South Africa was the largest buyer with 99% of the value ($80.6 million), followed by Zambia (0%) and Zimbabwe (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 32% on the year.
What is the average export price of carbonate per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.30 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $0.45 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of carbonate from Botswana changed since 2017?
Exports went from $44.0 million in 2017 to $81.2 million in 2024, an increase of 84%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $54.0 million a year.
Does Botswana also import carbonate?
Yes. Botswana imported $906 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from South Africa, China and Zambia. On balance Botswana is a net exporter of this product, by about $80.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbonate?
The HS code for carbonate is heading 2836. In Botswana all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2836.20. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2836 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Botswana, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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