This week’s global bitumen market activity reflects seasonal slowdowns in Europe, strong import momentum across Africa, and varied project progress in Asia. Weather conditions, supply chain adjustments, and refinery operations played a major role in shaping regional demand patterns.
🌐 Key Global Highlights of the Week
🚧 Europe: Cargo Shortages and Seasonal Demand Collide
Europe entered the expected year-end slowdown as winter conditions and holidays curtailed construction across Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and other central European markets. With most roadworks paused, regional consumption dropped sharply.
Surplus material from Rotterdam and Baltic areas continued to divert south toward Mediterranean and West African markets. Meanwhile, the restart of the pipeline feeding the Schwedt refinery helped stabilize eastern German operations. Activity in France and the UK remained limited, with extended breaks anticipated through early January.
Across the Nordics and Baltics, harsh weather left activity muted, but buyers actively secured 2026 supply contracts to ensure steady start-of-year planning.
🌍 Africa: Strong Imports, Regional Planning, and New Vessels
Africa saw significant vessel movements and strong import flows, particularly in West Africa where dry-season construction and an upcoming refinery maintenance period encouraged buyers to secure additional volume.
Algeria increased late-year intake, supported by government-funded projects and improved weather. Morocco maintained steady activity as contractors rushed to finalize works ahead of a major sporting event. Nigeria continued to attract large cargoes, and multiple vessels were reported discharging or en route to Lome, Lagos, Dakar, and Tema.
East Africa operated at reduced levels as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania shifted into the holiday slowdown. Southern Africa paused fully for the annual December–January break, with activity expected to resume from early January.
🌏 Asia-Pacific: Weather Disruptions and Tactical Delays
Asia-Pacific markets experienced mixed activity. Heavy rains and flooding slowed construction across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Despite the disruptions, Indonesia showed pockets of steady demand as contractors rushed to meet year-end deadlines.
In China, seasonal weather dampened northern demand while southern markets faced longer supply availability, prompting competitive supplier behavior. South Korea responded to weakened buying interest by offering more flexible supply options.
India’s western and southern regions improved in momentum post-monsoon, although northern consumption remained constrained by low temperatures. Australia and New Zealand, meanwhile, moved into their annual holiday period, with work expected to restart gradually mid-January.
🧭 Strategic Outlook: Q3 Positioning Begins Now
As global markets move through seasonal cycles, the next 4–6 weeks will be shaped by weather windows, refinery operations, and early-year procurement strategies. Stakeholders should closely watch supply chain congestion, tender activity, and project restarts as 2026 demand patterns begin to form.