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Global Market · Southeast Asia

Vietnam – Timor-Leste Logistics

Timor-Leste market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.

Australia Indonesia Timor-Leste

Key facts

Capital
Dili
Region
Southeast Asia
Population
1.4 million
Area
14,874 km²
Nominal GDP (2023)
US$2.2 billion
GDP per capita
1,581 USD
GDP ranking
No. 166 worldwide
5-year GDP growth
7.4%/year
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Languages
Portuguese, Tetum
Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
3,045 km

Economic size

In 2023, Timor-Leste’s nominal GDP reached US$2.2 billion, ranking No. 166 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$1,581. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 7.4% per year.

121.2 131.4 141.4 151.6 161.7 171.6 181.6 192.0 202.2 213.6 223.2 232.2
Nominal GDP 2012–2023, US$ billion

Growth potential

  • Fast growth: GDP has grown by an average of 7.4% per year over 5 years.
  • Close to Vietnam (about 3,045 km), with short transit times.

Trade agreements with Vietnam

Vietnam and Timor-Leste do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.

Shipping from Vietnam to Timor-Leste

Ocean

2–7 days

from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment

Air

1–2 days

from SGN / HAN, including handling time

Distance

3,045 km

straight-line distance

Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.

Major seaports

The World Port Index lists 1 ports in Timor-Leste. The table below shows the main cargo ports.

PortUN/LOCODESizeChannel depth
DiliTLDILSmall23 m

Port guides: Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste: all 1 seaports →

International airports

Timor-Leste has 4 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:

Services for the Vietnam – Timor-Leste lane

SEA FREIGHT

Ocean Freight

Long-term contracts with 20 leading carriers secure space even in peak season.

  • FCL
  • LCL
  • Reefer
  • Break-bulk

AIR FREIGHT

Air Freight

Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.

  • Express
  • Charter
  • DG
  • Pharma

ROAD & RAIL

Road & Rail Freight

Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.

  • FTL
  • LTL
  • Cross-border
  • Rail

CONTRACT LOGISTICS

Warehousing & Distribution

International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.

  • Bonded
  • Cold chain
  • Fulfillment

CUSTOMS & TRADE

Customs & Trade Advisory

Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.

  • VNACCS
  • C/O
  • EVFTA
  • CPTPP

PROJECT CARGO

Project & Oversized Cargo

Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.

  • OOG
  • Heavy-lift
  • Turnkey

Are you a logistics company in Timor-Leste?

Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Apply to become an agent

Frequently asked questions

How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Timor-Leste take?

Estimated ocean transit time is 2–7 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.

What are the main seaports in Timor-Leste?

The main cargo ports in Timor-Leste include Dili.

Which airports handle international air cargo in Timor-Leste?

International air cargo to Timor-Leste mainly arrives via Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL), Oecusse Route of the Sandalwood International Airport (OEC), Commander in Chief of FALINTIL, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, International Airport (UAI).

What trade agreements do Vietnam and Timor-Leste have?

There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Timor-Leste.

Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.