Botswana

U.S.-Botswana Trade Facts

Botswana is currently the United States' 132nd largest goods trading partner with $281 million in total (two ways) goods trade during 2008. Goods exports totaled $62 million; Goods imports totaled $219 million.

Botswana is eligible for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  In 2008 U.S. imports from Botswana under AGOA and the Generalized System of Preferences were valued at nearly $16 million and mainly included articles of stone and plaster.

Exports

Botswana was the United States' 160th largest goods export market in 2008.

U.S. goods exports to Botswana in 2008 were $62 million, up 15.5% ($8 million) from 2007.

The top export categories (2-digit HS) for 2008 were: Special Other Category (low value shipments) ($28 million), Electrical Machinery ($12 million), Machinery ($7 million) Aircraft ($6 million), and Vehicles ($2 million).

U.S. exports of agricultural products to Botswana totaled $66 thousand in 2008.

Imports

Botswana was the United States' 112th largest supplier of goods imports in 2008.

U.S. goods imports from Botswana totaled $219 million in 2008, a 16.8% increase ($31 million) from 2007.

The five largest import categories in 2008 were: Precious Stones (diamonds) ($201 million), Knit Apparel ($13 million), Woven Apparel ($2 million), Special Import Provisions (low value shipments) ($844 thousand), and Special Other (returns) ($309 thousand).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Botswana totaled $180 thousand in 2008.

Trade Capacity Building (TCB) Assistance

Botswana received $183,000 in TCB assistance from the United States in 2008.  The funding focused on improving customs and trade facilitation as well as the implementation of WTO agreements.

Investment

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Botswana (stock) was $19 million in 2007 (latest data available), up 12 percent from 2006.