As mid-July unfolds, global bitumen markets reflect a mixed bag of construction demand, procurement delays, refinery restarts, and emerging logistics challenges. While Northwest Europe prepares for a summer slowdown, Africa navigates weather constraints, and Asia adjusts to monsoon-induced volatility.
Northwest Europe remains active but is gradually slowing as holidays approach. Germany's abrupt tender pause for 2025 projects has injected uncertainty into autumn demand forecasts. Meanwhile, increased cargo availability from Rotterdam and Baltic ports is easing supply concerns and pushing down premiums.
In the UK, vessel imports from the US Gulf offered rare trade routes, even as cooler weather limited site activity. France pushed to wrap projects before the end-of-July holiday exodus, supported by full operations at the Lavera refinery. Eastern and Central Europe, especially Poland and the Czech Republic, saw modest demand improvements, while Hungary and Romania adjusted to refinery maintenance and fluctuating weather.
West Africa grappled with continued rainfall, slowing construction and suppressing demand, especially in Nigeria. Despite this, cargoes kept flowing, with strategic tanker deployments across Lome, Conakry, Dakar, and beyond.
North Africa remained active, though Algeria’s new import authorization rules added complexity. Tunisia and Morocco maintained a steady flow of imports to meet infrastructure goals. Meanwhile, South Africa filled stocks amid cold weather, ensuring buffer supply. Cargo premiums varied widely as sourcing from Europe and Asia met localized challenges.
Singapore's export constraints continued to influence regional flows, with buyers from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia leaning on Northeast Asia to avoid high offers. Monsoons across Southeast Asia slowed procurement activity and reshuffled shipping timelines.
China maintained steady demand on the eastern coast, while South Korea’s stable production supported outbound flows. Indonesia’s domestic pricing held firm, showing resilience despite external pressures. Across the board, weather and cost considerations shaped a more cautious buying environment.
With holidays, refinery maintenance, and weather all at play, market participants should expect variable procurement windows through August. Early Q3 positioning—especially in Europe and Asia—may define availability and pricing stability heading into September.