China bitumen imports and exports hit 5-year highs in 2025

In 2025, China's bitumen imports surged 163% YoY to 3.93 million tonnes, while exports rose 49.5% to 710,000 tonnes, both marking 5-year highs. This simultaneous growth was driven by competitive Middle Eastern supplies and robust overseas demand from Southeast Asia.

Data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) shows both bitumen imports and exports reached 5-year peaks in 2025. Imports totaled 3.93 million tonnes, up 163% year-on-year (YoY), while exports rose 49.50% YoY to 710,000 tonnes. In December 2025, imports fell 12.30% month-on-month (MoM) to 383,000 tonnes