China-Timor-Leste Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $336.43M total volume •China surplus: $187.05M
China → Timor-Leste
$261.74M
Exports (2023)
Timor-Leste → China
$74.69M
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$187.05M
Surplus for China
Total Trade
$336.43M
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between China and Timor-Leste. Green line shows exports from China, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the China-Timor-Leste commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
China → Timor-Leste Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
China's export portfolio to Timor-Leste demonstrates strategic specialization, with iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Timor-Leste → China Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
China's import pattern from Timor-Leste reveals significant dependencyin oils: petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
China demonstrates competitive strength in exportingiron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 to Timor-Leste, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $336.43M trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: China-Timor-Leste Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $336.43 millionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: China maintains a surplus of $187.05 million
- Export Focus: China's primary exports include iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73, cereals: rice, semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, painted, varnished or coated with plastics
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Timor-Leste include oils: petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude, coffee: not roasted or decaffeinated, vegetable products: fit for human consumption, n.e.c. in heading no. 1212, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents an important regional trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $336.43M represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with China leveraging its comparative advantages in iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
China's specialization in iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73complements Timor-Leste's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in oils: petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $336.43M bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $336.43M bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $336.43 million bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 and oils: petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
China's trade surplus of $187.05 million strengthens its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between China and Timor-Leste represents a total trade volume of $336.43 million in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for China, with exports exceeding importsby $187.05 million.
Export Strengths
China's exports to Timor-Leste total $261.74 million, with competitive advantages in iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73, representing $15.65M or6.0% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Timor-Leste amount to $74.69 million, highlighting economic interdependence in oils: petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude, with Oils: petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude comprising99.2% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade surplus indicates China's competitive position in this bilateral relationship. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between China and Timor-Leste in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023