Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Plastics & Rubber from Botswana
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for plastics & rubber follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 4.5%, plus Section 122 surcharge of 15%. The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 15%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 19.5%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $2,067.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $12,716.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $700M in goods from Botswana in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Africa region. Key import categories from Botswana include diamonds, precious metals jewelry, industrial machinery, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Plastics & Rubber represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from Botswana.
What Happens When Section 122 Expires?
Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026, after its 150-day statutory limit. If Section 122 expires without renewal, the tariff rate on plastics & rubber from Botswana would drop from 19.5% to approximately 4.5%. This 15% reduction could significantly lower landed costs for importers. However, Congress or the President may act to extend or replace Section 122 before its expiration date.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Plastics & Rubber
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on plastics & rubber may consider sourcing from South Africa (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 4.5 percentage points); Zimbabwe (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 4.5 percentage points); Namibia (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 4.5 percentage points). Compared to Botswana's total effective rate of 19.5%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Tariff Timeline for Botswana
Section 232 steel/aluminum tariff increased to 50%
Section 122 uniform 15% surcharge takes effect
Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Plastics & Rubber from Botswana is 19.5%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 4.5%; Section 122 surcharge: 15%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 19.5%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Plastics & Rubber from Botswana, you can expect to pay approximately $1,950.00 in total duties at the current rate of 19.5%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $11,950.00, representing an effective cost increase of 19.5% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
Yes, Section 122 adds 15% to the tariff on Plastics & Rubber from Botswana. This surcharge was enacted on February 24, 2026 under Section 122 of the Trade Act and applies uniformly to imports from most countries. It stacks on top of the MFN base rate of 4.5%, contributing to the total rate of 19.5%.
Section 122 is set to expire on July 24, 2026 after its 150-day statutory limit. If it expires without renewal, the tariff on Plastics & Rubber from Botswana would drop from 19.5% to 4.5%. This 15% reduction would meaningfully lower landed costs for importers. Congress or the President may extend or replace Section 122, so importers should monitor developments.
For Plastics & Rubber, alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of Botswana include South Africa (effective rate: 15%), Zimbabwe (effective rate: 15%), Namibia (effective rate: 15%). Compared to Botswana's total effective rate of 19.5%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.