Dried shelled beans market in Timor-Leste, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for dried shelled beans in Timor-Leste grew steadily, reaching 10 731 t. This gradual expansion coincided with the launch of initiatives such as culinary training by NGO Pro-Ema to promote local agri-food products and a government procurement program for local beans, both aimed at boosting consumption and adding value to traditional crops.

A significant surge in imports to 832 t drove the market volume to a peak of 11 620 t in 2021. The following year, a reduction in imports contributed to a market contraction to 11 227 t. In 2023, the market saw a slight recovery to 11 331 t. Ongoing training programs to valorize local products continued to support demand, while persistent climate challenges like droughts and floods impacted local agricultural supply, influencing bean availability.

In 2024, key factors shaping the market included continued climate-related food security concerns highlighted by official reports and the active government program purchasing local beans to support farmers. These elements defined the operating environment for the bean market during the year.

Production dried shelled beans in Timor-Leste

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

Dried shelled bean production in Timor-Leste has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 10 686 tonnes, marking a slight year-on-year increase of 0.9%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Timor-Leste in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dried shelled beans from Timor-Leste

Market analysis indicates that Timor-Leste did not export any dried shelled beans between 2017 and 2020.

Imports dried shelled beans to Timor-Leste

Imports in kind, kg

Imports of dried shelled beans into Timor-Leste have also increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 45 350 kilograms, showing a significant 56.5% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 494.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 81.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Timor-Leste in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia and China were the primary suppliers of dried shelled beans to Timor-Leste, together accounting for 84.1% of total imports by volume. The remaining imports were distributed among various other countries, indicating a fragmented market.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Timor-Leste in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The import market for dried shelled beans in Timor-Leste showed notable volatility during this period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 334 US dollars, representing a 50.1% increase from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 21 763 US dollars. The most significant decline was in 2019, with a drop of 34.7%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 228.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Timor-Leste in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia, Portugal, and China led as the top suppliers of dried shelled beans to Timor-Leste in value terms. Indonesia accounted for 30.8% of imports, Portugal for 30.4%, and China for 21.6%. Together, these three countries made up 82.8% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Timor-Leste in value, 2017-2020