Argus Asia Pacific and Middle East Bitumen 2017

Asia’s bitumen consumption is expected to increase by 4-4.9pc/yr to reach 52.1mn t by 2021, according to Argus Asphalt Annual 2017. With the emergence of regional price differences, there are increasing trade flows, as well as cargoes travelling longer distances to Asia, as market participants strive to meet the growing needs of the demand hubs. Road paving and construction companies in the region are also turning to better bitumen solutions to provide them with enhanced and long-term performance, along with better recyclability. The two-day main trade conference will continue to look at the bright spots in Asia-Pacific and the Mideast Gulf, and how buyers and sellers are adjusting their commercial strategies to navigate through this new competitive landscape. Because of the changing market trends, the agenda will also include a one-day focus on the growing emergence of high-performance bitumen.