The import of Bentonite to Botswana has experienced significant fluctuations over the past decade, peaking in 2015 and 2017 with volumes reaching 214.62 and 177.12 thousand kilograms, respectively. However, a downward trend has been observed since 2017, with the volume standing at 39.67 thousand kilograms in 2023. Notable year-on-year variations include a striking 464.43% increase from 2013 to 2014, followed by considerable declines such as -73.67% in 2016 and -74.49% in 2018. The average annual reduction in import volumes over the last five years, based on CAGR, stands at -39.62%.
Looking forward, the forecast indicates a continued decline in import volumes, projecting a decrease to just 2.56 thousand kilograms by 2028, representing a dramatic 91.97% drop from 2023 levels. Trends to monitor include market demand shifts, alternative sourcing strategies, and domestic production capabilities, which could impact the future trajectory of Bentonite imports to Botswana.
