Mid-July brings contrasting forces in the global bitumen landscape. Europe prepares for its summer holiday pause, Africa adapts to seasonal rains and refinery disruptions, while Asia faces tight regional supply and tactical procurement shifts. Supply chain dynamics, weather delays, and demand rebalancing are shaping Q3 strategies across continents.
Europe’s bitumen market shows mixed signals. Northern demand holds steady, particularly in Nordic countries, while Germany battles low demand due to delayed public projects and budget constraints. Refinery outputs remain strong, leading to regional oversupply.
France enters a temporary slowdown due to Bastille Day holidays, although terminal activity is expected to resume shortly. Benelux, on the other hand, shows urgency, pushing projects forward before the August holiday season.
The eastern bloc — Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary — reflects subdued activity. The Litvinov refinery outage in Czechia further strained regional supply for certain grades. In contrast, the Baltic and Nordic flows continue with active exports from Sweden into Finland and Denmark.
West Africa's bitumen activity is slowed by intense rains, even as shipments into Lome and Dakar continue. Prices climb on rising freight and HSFO values. East Africa shows resilience with volumes heading to Kenya, Tanzania, and inland destinations such as DRC, where infrastructure projects are gaining traction post-peace deal.
In South Africa, paving continues under cold conditions. However, upcoming maintenance at the Natref refinery from mid-July to October will end local production by September, making the region fully reliant on imports. North Africa remains active, with Morocco’s demand boosted by major infrastructure projects tied to the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
Tight supply defines Asia’s current state. Singapore refiners are nearly sold out for August cargoes, while buyers in Vietnam and the Philippines scramble for early coverage. Malaysia sees modest recovery after the festive season, though rainy conditions persist. Indonesia remains cautious with enough local supply, avoiding high-priced imports.
India’s monsoon softens buying interest, with ports holding significant inventory. South Korea’s limited tender activity draws Southeast Asian attention, while China experiences sluggish demand amid storm disruptions and flooding in Henan. Traders hope for a pickup post-monsoon. Taiwan, meanwhile, stays quiet as buyers and sellers wait out price volatility.
As the paving season peaks across North Africa and parts of Asia, supply-side disruptions and regional project planning will shape August and September flows. Traders and logistics teams should prepare for heightened volatility from refinery maintenance, monsoon weather, and shifting freight premiums.