This week’s bitumen market reflects a sharp divide across continents: while seasonal holidays cooled activity in Europe, East Africa and select parts of Asia saw steady demand. Shifts in logistics, refinery schedules, and regional weather played a central role in shaping the week’s supply dynamics.
North and Central Europe experienced muted demand as the August holiday period stalled construction activity across France, Germany, Benelux, and Poland. Although some Nordic markets like Denmark remained busy, overall demand lagged.
Germany's domestic prices edged up in certain regions, but upcoming refinery maintenance in Bayernoil and Heide could disrupt supply into September. The UK held steady due to favorable weather, but many French and Spanish asphalt plants remained idle. Cargo oversupply was noted in Rotterdam, with September deliveries outpacing spot demand.
East Africa continues to be a bright spot with consistent imports into Kenya, Uganda, and DRC. Meanwhile, West Africa suffered from persistent rainfall, particularly in Nigeria, which saw bitumen truck sales remain low.
The Ivory Coast was active in exports, supplying Nigeria and Cameroon, while Algeria saw an uptick in vessel traffic after regulatory delays were cleared. New infrastructure funding in Niger and improved security in Benin have contributed to regional optimism, especially in Mauritania where imports tripled compared to 2024.
China’s north remained saturated by rain, limiting construction activity, while typhoon recovery slowed progress in the south and east. India continues to face monsoon-driven stagnation.
In Southeast Asia, logistics remained fluid, with a rare cargo from Singapore to South Africa signaling market recalibration. Singapore’s anticipated refinery maintenance in October could tighten supply, but oversupply concerns persist due to sluggish demand across the region.
As August closes, the bitumen market will closely watch refinery maintenance schedules, improving weather across Asia and Europe, and infrastructure funding impacts across Africa. September may mark the return of stronger demand—but supply dynamics and logistics will be the key drivers to monitor.