Plastic film imports in Botswana: data, top suppliers and prices
Botswana imported $3.2 million of plastic film in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 12% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $2.9M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $3.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 979 t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 908 t |
| 2017 | $2.3M | 1.0K t |
Where Botswana imports plastic film from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 78% of the value. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.5M | 78% |
| China | $348K | 11% |
| France | $278K | 8.6% |
| United Kingdom | $89K | 2.8% |
| Germany | $9K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.1% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 3921
| 3921.90 | Non-cellular plastic film | 70% |
| 3921.19 | Cellular plastic film | 15% |
| 3921.12 | Cellular PVC foam sheet | 6.9% |
| 3921.11 | Expanded polystyrene film and sheet | 4% |
| 3921.13 | Polyurethane foam sheet | 4% |
| 3921.14 | Cellophane film (cellular) | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3921.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.53 per kg, 47% below the world average of $4.76, 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.
Plastic film exports from Botswana
Exports of plastic film by Botswana reached $1.4 million in 2024 (517 tonnes). Most of it went to South Africa (38%), Zambia (31%), Zimbabwe (30%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+512% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $525K | 38% |
| Zambia | $420K | 31% |
| Zimbabwe | $414K | 30% |
| Namibia | $18K | 1.3% |
| Angola | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Botswana?
The shipment records behind Botswana plastic film imports (HS 3921): 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 3921: Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 39.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic film imported by Botswana?
Botswana imported plastic film worth $3.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 146th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic film to Botswana?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($2.5 million), followed by China (11%) and France (9%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 103% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.53 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $4.76 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic film to Botswana changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.3 million in 2017 to $3.2 million in 2024, an increase of 39%. The peak was 2021 at $3.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.8 million a year.
Does Botswana also export plastic film?
Yes. Botswana exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. On balance Botswana is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic film?
The HS code for plastic film is heading 3921. In Botswana the largest six-digit codes were 3921.90 (70% of the value) and 3921.19 (15%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Plastic film product types in Botswana
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