Polyethylene bags imports in Botswana: data, top suppliers and prices
Botswana imported $3.4 million of polyethylene bags in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 32% more than in 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 | $3.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $2.7M | 756 t |
| 2021 | $2.2M | 983 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 633 t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 570 t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 816 t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 1.3K t |
Where Botswana imports polyethylene bags from
South Africa alone supplied 95% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+391% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.2M | 95% |
| China | $166K | 4.9% |
| India | $9K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $5K | 0.2% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $0K | 0% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.76 per kg, close to the world average of $2.93.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene bags exports from Botswana
In 2024, Botswana exported polyethylene bags worth $748 thousand (332 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 56% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $416K | 56% |
| South Africa | $326K | 44% |
| Austria | $5K | 0.7% |
| Angola | $1K | 0.1% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Botswana?
The shipment records behind Botswana polyethylene bags imports (HS 3923.21): 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 3923.21: Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene bags imported by Botswana?
Botswana imported polyethylene bags worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 134th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 32% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene bags to Botswana?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 95% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by China (5%) and India (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 8 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 391% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.76 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $2.93 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene bags to Botswana changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.6 million a year.
Does Botswana also export polyethylene bags?
Yes. Botswana exported $748 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, South Africa and Austria. On balance Botswana is a net importer of this product, by about $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene bags?
The HS code for polyethylene bags is subheading 3923.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3923 page.
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
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.