Seasonal pressures are reshaping global bitumen flows. As Europe prepares for its annual construction lull, West Africa battles seasonal rainfall, and Asia navigates monsoons and supply tightness. Strategic shifts in procurement, logistics, and refinery output are now setting the tone for Q3.
Construction holidays are fast approaching, and cargo suppliers across northwest and central Europe are feeling the pressure. Shell’s sell tender from Rotterdam signals a notable market shift. While Benelux and France remain strong with stable demand and firm truck prices, Poland continues to underperform with limited project activity.
Germany shows mixed momentum—northern and southwest regions saw good demand, but northeast volumes remain low. Meanwhile, UK imports continue steadily even as domestic production drops. Central Europe’s Hungary and Romania held steady with a stream of regional truck flows and new cargo imports into Romania.
In West Africa, seasonal rains are hampering construction in Nigeria and neighboring countries, slowing demand and import offloading. However, legislative progress in Nigeria—like the new Bitumen Development Commission—signals future domestic production ambitions.
East Africa saw cooler weather and rain curb activity, particularly in Kenya, where road delivery volumes dropped. Meanwhile, Uganda and Rwanda show long-term growth prospects, with Kigali planning 100km of new roads and Uganda rebounding from a slow start to 2025.
In the south, imports into Durban are steady, but local production will soon decline with upcoming refinery maintenance. Zambia and Botswana continue to receive overland flows, especially from Mozambique’s Beira.
Asia’s bitumen story this week is shaped by both weather and inventory tactics. Singapore’s refiners are sold out of August-loading cargoes, causing a tight supply scenario that is keeping Southeast Asian buyers cautious. Vietnam was active, securing volumes ahead of the monsoon.
India’s demand is quiet due to monsoon-driven disruptions and high stocks. Refiners there are cutting output to rebalance. Malaysia rebounded after budget releases revived project activity, though weather remains a concern.
Indonesia’s restocking interest grows, but domestic supplies are competing with imports. South Korea’s exports are nearly sold out until October, while China juggles weather-driven demand dips with tightening domestic supply.
As we head deeper into Q3, watch for construction slowdowns in Europe, weather impacts across Asia, and new import strategies in Africa. Inventory management, monsoon timelines, and logistics resilience will shape procurement decisions in the weeks ahead.