Salt exports from Botswana: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Botswana exported salt worth $28.6 million (358.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 9% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $36.2 million.
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 | $28.6M | 358.2K t |
| 2023 | $31.4M | 371.2K t |
| 2022 | $27.3M | 330.2K t |
| 2021 | $35.9M | 340.7K t |
| 2020 | $32.3M | 328.1K t |
| 2019 | $29.1M | 309.7K t |
| 2018 | $36.2M | 328.1K t |
| 2017 | $14.0M | 254.5K t |
Where Botswana exports salt to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (36%), Zambia (33%), South Africa (20%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $10.2M | 36% |
| Zambia | $9.4M | 33% |
| South Africa | $5.7M | 20% |
| Malawi | $3.4M | 12% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| Ukraine | $0K | 0% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.08 per kg, 33% above the world average of $0.06. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Salt imports to Botswana
In 2024, Botswana imported salt worth $3.1 million (8.8 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 73% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+597% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 73% |
| South Africa | $461K | 15% |
| Namibia | $361K | 12% |
| Pakistan | $17K | 0.5% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Botswana?
The shipment records behind Botswana salt exports (HS 2501): 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 2501: Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water.
Common questions
What is the value of salt exported by Botswana?
Botswana exported salt worth $28.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 358.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 180 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy salt from Botswana?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 36% of the value ($10.2 million), followed by Zambia (33%) and South Africa (20%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 7 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 56% on the year.
What is the average export price of salt per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.08 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $0.06 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of salt from Botswana changed since 2017?
Exports went from $14.0 million in 2017 to $28.6 million in 2024, an increase of 104%. The peak was 2018 at $36.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $29.3 million a year.
Does Botswana also import salt?
Yes. Botswana imported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. On balance Botswana is a net exporter of this product, by about $25.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for salt?
The HS code for salt is heading 2501. In Botswana all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2501.00. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2501 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.