RS-1 Bitumen Emulsion Price
Last updated: 2026-09-29
RS-1 Bitumen Emulsion Price: Direct Answer
As of Q4 2024, the RS-1 bitumen price ranges from $430 to $560 per metric ton FOB depending on the port of origin, with bulk drum shipments from Iran and the UAE averaging $485/MT and bulk tanker shipments from Singapore averaging $530/MT. For smaller orders under 20 MT, expect to pay a premium of 12–18%, pushing the per-ton price to $545–$660. Prices typically adjust within 7–14 days of crude oil benchmark shifts, so quotes older than two weeks should be re-verified before contracting.
What Is RS-1 Bitumen Emulsion and Why Its Price Matters
RS-1 (Rapid Setting grade 1) is a cationic bitumen emulsion manufactured by dispersing penetration-grade bitumen (typically 60/70 or 85/100) in water with an emulsifier, producing a brown liquid that "breaks" rapidly when applied to aggregate. It is the workhorse grade for chip seals, tack coats, and surface dressing in road maintenance.
Because RS-1 contains roughly 57–63% residual bitumen by weight, its price is derived from — but not identical to — the price of the base penetration grade it contains. A $10/MT move in 60/70 penetration bitumen translates to roughly a $6–$7/MT move in RS-1 emulsion, after accounting for the ~40% water content and emulsifier costs.
- Residual bitumen content: 57–63%
- Emulsifier type: Cationic (usually tallow diamine or amidoamine)
- Typical application rate (chip seal): 0.9–1.6 kg/m²
- Shelf life: 4–8 weeks in bulk tanks with gentle agitation
- Storage temperature: 10–50°C — freezing destroys the emulsion
The key pricing insight: you are buying approximately 60% bitumen and 40% water plus chemistry. This is why RS-1 is quoted at a discount to penetration grade — but a premium to CRS-2 and other slow-setting grades when emulsifier costs spike.
RS-1 Bitumen Price by Origin and Port (Q4 2024)
The table below reflects indicative FOB prices for bulk RS-1 in 200 kg drums and ISO tank shipments, ex-works basis, for minimum 100 MT orders.
| Origin / Port | Packaging | Price (USD/MT FOB) | Lead Time (days) | Residual Bitumen % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandar Abbas, Iran | 200 kg drums | $430 – $465 | 10–20 | 58–60% |
| Jebel Ali, UAE | ISO tank / drums | $470 – $510 | 7–14 | 60–62% |
| Singapore | Bulk tanker | $515 – $545 | 5–10 | 62–63% |
| South Korea (Ulsan) | ISO tank | $540 – $575 | 14–21 | 62–63% |
| Malaysia (Port Klang) | Drums / flexitank | $490 – $525 | 10–18 | 60–62% |
Key observations from the table:
- Iran remains the lowest-cost origin for RS-1, but sanctions-related payment and shipping friction can add $25–$50/MT in hidden logistics costs.
- Asian origins (Singapore, Korea) command a $60–90/MT premium over Middle East supply, justified by faster lead times and consistent quality certification.
- Drums versus flexitanks: drum packaging adds $35–50/MT versus bulk flexitank, driven by steel drum costs and lower freight density.
- Minimum order thresholds: most suppliers quote best pricing above 100–200 MT; orders below 20 MT carry an 18–22% premium.
| Grade | Setting Speed | Typical Use | Price (USD/MT FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRS-1 | Rapid | Tack coat, chip seal | $445 – $520 |
| CRS-2 | Rapid | Chip seal, slurry | $440 – $515 |
| RS-1 | Rapid | Chip seal, surface dressing | $430 – $560 |
| SS-1 | Slow | Prime coat, dust control | $410 – $480 |
| CSS-1 | Slow | Slurry seal, micro-surfacing | $455 – $530 |
RS-1 typically sits $10–$20/MT above SS-1 and within $5–$15/MT of CRS-2, reflecting near-identical raw material costs with minor formulation differences.
RS-1 Bitumen Emulsion Price Trends and Cost Drivers
RS-1 pricing follows penetration grade bitumen with a 0.55–0.70 beta — meaning a 10% rise in 60/70 penetration bitumen historically produces a 5.5–7% rise in RS-1. The table below shows how this played out over the last four quarters:
| Quarter | 60/70 Penetration (USD/MT) | RS-1 Emulsion (USD/MT) | RS-1 as % of Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | $590 | $465 | 78.8% |
| Q2 2024 | $620 | $485 | 78.2% |
| Q3 2024 | $640 | $505 | 78.9% |
| Q4 2024 | $610 | $485 | 79.5% |
The RS-1-to-penetration ratio has held stable at 78–80% across four quarters — a useful rule of thumb for buyers building price models. If penetration grade moves to $650/MT, expect RS-1 to land near $510–$520/MT within one to two weeks.
Emulsifiers represent 8–12% of total RS-1 cost — a smaller share than bitumen but a volatile one. Tallow-based emulsifiers track agricultural commodity markets, and a 20% emulsifier price spike moves RS-1 by only $8–12/MT. However, during 2022's energy crisis, emulsifier cost inflation pushed RS-1 premiums over penetration grade from 20% to 23–25% — a reminder that this input is not negligible.
RS-1 demand is highly seasonal in temperate markets:
- Peak season (May–September): Northern Hemisphere paving season; prices run 3–6% higher, and lead times extend by 5–10 days.
- Off-season (November–February): Prices soften 4–8%; buyers who can store emulsion (with agitation) capture meaningful savings.
- Tropical markets: Demand is steadier, with monsoon-related dips of 2–4% in July–August.
For a 200 MT RS-1 shipment from Jebel Ali to a West African port:
| Cost Component | USD/MT | Share of Landed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FOB emulsion price | $490 | 72% |
| Ocean freight | $95 | 14% |
| Drum/packaging | $40 | 6% |
| Insurance | $12 | 2% |
| Port handling & documentation | $25 | 4% |
| Inland delivery (last 300 km) | $18 | 3% |
| Total landed cost | $680 | 100% |
Note that freight and logistics add 38–40% to FOB price in this lane. Buyers comparing quotes must always compare landed cost, not FOB, or risk selecting a "cheaper" origin that costs more delivered.
How to Get the Best RS-1 Bitumen Price: 6 Leverage Points
1. Buy in 500+ MT lots. Suppliers typically discount $15–$25/MT above 500 MT versus 100 MT pricing, because vessel economics improve.
2. Book off-season. Contracting in December–February for spring delivery locks in 4–8% savings versus spot peak-season buying.
3. Negotiate flexitank over drums. Flexitanks cut packaging cost by $35–50/MT and increase freight density; only use drums for destinations without bulk handling.
4. Specify residual bitumen content precisely. Paying for 63% residual when your specification allows 60% adds $12–$18/MT for no performance benefit in most chip seal designs.
5. Consolidate with penetration grade. Suppliers shipping both products offer bundled discounts of 2–4% on combined orders.
6. Verify sanctions and payment channels early. Iranian-origin pricing looks $40–60/MT cheaper, but payment routing friction can erase or reverse that advantage.
Red flags in low quotes: anything more than 15% below prevailing market usually signals diluted residual content, aged stock, or unstable emulsion that will fail break-time tests on site.
FAQ: RS-1 Bitumen Emulsion Price
Q1: What is the current RS-1 bitumen price per ton?
As of Q4 2024, RS-1 bitumen emulsion trades at $430–$560 per metric ton FOB, with the global average near $485–$505/MT. Middle East origins sit at the low end and Asian origins at the high end. Small orders under 20 MT carry a 12–22% premium.
Q2: How much residual bitumen is in RS-1 emulsion?
RS-1 contains 57–63% residual bitumen by weight, with most commercial grades specified at 60–62%. The remaining 38–43% is water plus emulsifier. Because of this, RS-1 prices at roughly 78–80% of the equivalent penetration grade price.
Q3: Why is RS-1 cheaper than penetration grade bitumen?
RS-1 is cheaper per ton because 40% of its weight is water. You are paying for emulsion logistics rather than pure bitumen. For equivalent residual bitumen, RS-1 actually costs $60–$90/MT more than buying 60/70 penetration grade directly once water content is accounted for.
Q4: How often do RS-1 prices change?
RS-1 prices typically adjust within 7–14 days of crude oil and penetration grade movements. In volatile markets, suppliers may re-quote weekly. Quotes older than two weeks should always be re-confirmed before signing a purchase contract.
Q5: What is the minimum order quantity for RS-1 at competitive pricing?
Suppliers typically offer their best RS-1 pricing at 100–200 MT minimum orders, with further discounts of $15–$25/MT above 500 MT. Orders below 20 MT are possible but carry premiums of 12–22% due to drum handling and freight inefficiencies.
Calculate Your Exact RS-1 Bitumen Cost with 6Tar
FOB prices tell only part of the story — the true number that matters is your landed cost per ton, including freight, packaging, duties, and inland delivery. Rather than rebuilding spreadsheet models for every origin and lane, use the 6Tar cost calculator to input your destination port, order volume, packaging type, and residual bitumen specification.
In under 60 seconds, the 6Tar calculator produces a full landed-cost breakdown, compares origins side by side, and flags hidden costs that inflate quotes. Whether you are sourcing 50 MT for a municipal chip seal program or 5,000 MT for a national road authority, getting the RS-1 bitumen price right starts with accurate landed-cost modeling. Run your numbers with the 6Tar cost calculator before your next tender.