Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Botswana

Earlier Report Observations

Botswana's market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins expanded from 5 278 t in 2018 to 8 879 t in 2023, though growth was uneven. A sharp 41.2% rise in 2019 was followed by a more moderate 12.4% increase in 2020, before a 23.4% contraction in 2021. The market then rebounded strongly with a 33.4% gain in 2022 and a further 3.7% rise in 2023.

The recovery in 2022 and 2023 was supported by a significant decline in export volumes, which fell to 509 t in 2023 from 1 932 t the previous year, increasing domestic availability. Linkup factors highlight Botswana's role in regional trade, with exports to Namibia indicating sustained external demand that influences overall market dynamics.

Production generally increased over the period, reaching 10 493 t in 2022 before dipping to 9 388 t in 2023. Export volatility remained a primary factor affecting domestic market volume. For 2024, Linkup notes Botswana's increasing export share within Africa, pointing to continued focus on external markets.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Botswana

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Botswana's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9 089 tonnes, which represents an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Botswana in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Botswana

Exports in kind, t

Botswana's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 717 tonnes, marking a 22.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 72.8%, with an average annual decline of 35.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 678 tonnes. The most significant decrease occurred in 2019, with a 65.6% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Botswana in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the dominant destination for Botswana's exports in volume terms, accounting for 80.1% of total flows. Other markets played a relatively minor role during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Botswana in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Botswana's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms have declined for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 155 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp contraction of 40.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 91.1%, with an average annual decline of 55.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Botswana in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa was the leading market for Botswana's exports in value terms, capturing 82.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Botswana in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Botswana

Imports in kind, t

The import market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Botswana showed significant volatility during these years. From the low point in 2019 to the high in 2017, import volumes varied by a factor of 103. In 2020, Botswana imported approximately 5 tonnes, which is 1,281.0% higher than the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.4 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 90.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Botswana in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Botswana's imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with South Africa accounting for 100.0% of total flows, indicating an extremely narrow partner base.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Botswana in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. From the trough in 2019 to the peak in 2018, imports changed by a factor of 3.2. In 2020, Botswana's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins reached 25 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp gain of 83.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 14 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 44 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 68.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 91.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Botswana in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, the structure of Botswana's imports in value terms was dominated by a single market: South Africa, with a share of 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Botswana in value, 2017-2020