East Asia Bitumen Market, Slow Restart, Selective Strength

The East Asia bitumen market is slowly regaining activity after the January slowdown.
Price changes remain limited, mostly within a narrow range of -2% to +3%. Market sentiment is improving in some countries, especially South Korea and Vietnam, while others remain stable or slightly under pressure.
Overall, the region is in a preparation phase before stronger Q2 demand, with buyers positioning carefully rather than making aggressive moves.

Vietnam Bitumen Market

The Vietnam bitumen market showed a mild increase of around +1% to +2% this week.
The market is becoming more active, and more buyers are calling and checking prices. However, large cargo purchases have not started yet.
Many companies are positioning early before stronger Q2 demand. Vietnam is gradually reactivating, but the real volume is still ahead.

China Bitumen Market

The China bitumen market increased slightly by about +1% to +2%. Before the Chinese New Year, demand was slow.
Now the market is entering a post-holiday reset phase.
Buyers are returning, but volumes remain low and price sensitivity is high.
Demand clarity is improving step by step, yet the market is still cautious.

Indonesia Bitumen Market

The Indonesia bitumen market stayed almost stable, moving between 0% and +1%. It is the most balanced market in the region.
There is no strong selling pressure and no sharp demand jump.
The market remains controlled and steady. Indonesia continues to act as a stability anchor in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia Bitumen Market

The Malaysia bitumen market was neutral to slightly lower, around 0% to -1%. Trading activity is limited, and volumes are small.
Most buyers are waiting for a stronger signal from the regional market before making bigger decisions.
For now, Malaysia is moving sideways without clear direction.

Singapore Bitumen Market

The Singapore bitumen market declined mildly by about -1% to -2%. Spot trading is limited, and physical demand has not fully returned.
The market is under light pressure, and upside potential is limited until demand improves. Participants remain careful in their buying strategy.

South Korea Bitumen Market

The South Korea bitumen market increased by around +2% to +3%, showing controlled upward movement.
Export activity remains steady, and there are early signs of tighter export availability in the coming months.
Korea is firming faster than other regional markets and shows stronger price support.

Conclusion

East Asia has moved out of the January slowdown, but it has not entered a strong rally phase yet.
South Korea is leading with firmer movement.
Vietnam is becoming more active.
China is resetting after the holidays.
Singapore remains under mild pressure.
The market is now in a positioning phase, not a breakout stage.As Taraneh notes “Markets do not turn in one day.
First comes silence, then small signals, then quiet positioning. Only after confidence returns does real momentum begin. Those who read the early signs move first others follow later.”