Botswana’s food and beverage imports soared to P1.26 billion in May 2025, representing 15.4 percent of the country’s total imports, which stood at P8.16 billion. This marked a 19.2 percent increase from the P1.05 billion recorded in April, highlighting strong import activity in key consumption categories.

Cereals emerged as the most imported food item, valued at P215.6 million and accounting for 17.2 percent of total food and beverage imports. The bulk of cereal imports consisted of other maize (corn), which contributed 46 percent, and other wheat and muslin (not durum wheat), which made up 26.4 percent. Semi-milled or wholly milled rice followed with a 20.3 percent share. Other cereal products such as sorghum and broken rice contributed marginally.

Trailing cereals were imports under the beverages, spirits and vinegar category, which reached P165.1 million or 13.1 percent of total food and beverage imports. Beer made from malt led the group, accounting for 35.6 percent. Other significant imports in this category included fermented beverages like cider, mead, and sake (14.7 percent), as well as sweetened and flavored waters and other non-alcoholic beverages (13 percent).

Miscellaneous edible preparations ranked third with imports worth P112.7 million, reflecting a sharp 46.7 percent rise from April. Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk—mainly pastry products—stood at P112.3 million, while preparations of vegetables, fruits, and nuts followed closely at P109.8 million.

Other notable import categories in May included sugars and sugar confectionery (P99.5 million), animal and vegetable fats and oils (P78.2 million), and food industry residues and prepared animal fodder (P68.3 million). Dairy products amounted to P66.3 million, while coffee, tea, and spices reached P48.3 million—a substantial 89.4 percent jump from April.

Despite smaller import volumes, categories such as fruits and nuts (P37.8 million), vegetables (P31.5 million), oil seeds (P30.1 million), and meat products (P23.5 million) contributed to the diversity of Botswana’s food and beverage import mix.

Cumulatively, non-food and beverage imports amounted to P6.9 billion, representing 84.6 percent of the total imports for May. Overall, Botswana’s total imports for the month rose 19.3 percent from P6.84 billion in April to P8.16 billion in May.