The global bitumen market is navigating seasonal changes, shifting procurement strategies, and ongoing refinery turnarounds. While Europe shows signs of post-holiday recovery, Africa faces weather disruptions, and Asia-Pacific demand is shaped by monsoon conditions and cautious buying activity.
In northwest and central Europe, demand rebounded in France, Benelux, and Poland, while Germany and the UK lagged due to oversupply. Refinery turnarounds at Heide and Schwechat raised supply concerns but have so far shown minimal disruption.
The UK secured nearly 100,000t in August imports, giving buyers sufficient cover for coming months, yet domestic demand remains stagnant, tied to budget constraints. In Poland, seasonal demand improved, but government cuts reduced overall consumption compared to last year.
Nordic buyers continued securing winter volumes under term deals, keeping regional flows active before seasonal slowdowns.
South Africa’s high refinery output added downward pressure on local supplies, while West Africa’s rainy season limited construction momentum. Despite weather challenges, imports into Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia continued, supported by regular tanker arrivals.
Large vessels, including Bitu Express and Bitu Atlantic, rejoined the trade flow, ensuring supply continuity for West African terminals. In East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania maintained steady import activity, aided by stable container freight rates.
Procurement remained muted in Singapore, with buyers and sellers avoiding aggressive moves in thin market conditions. Seasonal monsoons hampered activity in India and surrounding regions, delaying project execution.
Southeast Asia saw slower buying, while Vietnam selectively returned for opportunistic cargoes. China’s coastal demand softened, reflecting seasonal trends and cautious procurement. South Korea, however, maintained active export routes, sustaining steady outflows to international markets.
As the third quarter progresses, stakeholders should closely watch refinery maintenance outcomes, weather-related construction delays, and the reactivation of imports in Africa and Southeast Asia. The next 4–6 weeks will be critical for aligning procurement with project pipelines before seasonal slowdowns intensify.