Polyethylene imports in Botswana: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polyethylene by Botswana reached $20.2 million in 2024 (15.5 thousand tonnes). That is 39% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $34.6 million.
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 | $20.2M | 15.5K t |
| 2023 | $33.2M | 21.4K t |
| 2022 | $34.6M | 18.4K t |
| 2021 | $22.7M | 12.8K t |
| 2020 | $12.7M | 11.6K t |
| 2019 | $13.7M | 10.5K t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 6.3K t |
| 2017 | $4.9M | 3.7K t |
Where Botswana imports polyethylene from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 98% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $19.8M | 98% |
| India | $228K | 1.1% |
| Thailand | $121K | 0.6% |
| China | $48K | 0.2% |
| United States | $3K | 0% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.10 | Low-density polyethylene | 66% |
| 3901.20 | High-density polyethylene | 21% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers (other) | 11% |
| 3901.40 | Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer | 2% |
| 3901.30 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.31 per kg, close to the world average of $1.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Botswana?
The shipment records behind Botswana polyethylene imports (HS 3901): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3901: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by Botswana?
Botswana imported polyethylene worth $20.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 123rd of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 39% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to Botswana?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 98% of the value ($19.8 million), followed by India (1%) and Thailand (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 5 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.31 per kg in 2024, 7% above the world average of $1.22 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polyethylene to Botswana changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.9 million in 2017 to $20.2 million in 2024, an increase of 311%. The peak was 2022 at $34.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In Botswana the largest six-digit codes were 3901.10 (66% of the value) and 3901.20 (21%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Botswana. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
Polyethylene product types in Botswana
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