SS-1h Bitumen Emulsion Price
Last updated: 2026-09-29
SS-1h Bitumen Emulsion Price: Direct Answer
SS-1h bitumen emulsion prices range from $280 to $450 per metric ton FOB in 2025, depending on the base asphalt grade, emulsifier content, and order volume. For a standard 20-ton (20,000 kg) shipment, expect to pay $5,600–$9,000 total, with delivery lead times of 7–21 days depending on destination port and supplier location. Bulk orders exceeding 500 tons typically secure a 5–12% discount, bringing the per-ton cost down to approximately $265–$400.
What Is SS-1h Bitumen Emulsion and Why Its Price Matters
SS-1h is an anionic slow-setting bitumen emulsion with a higher residue content (typically 57–60% ) than standard SS-1. The "h" designation refers to the harder base asphalt penetration grade, making it ideal for micro-surfacing, slurry seal, and cold-lay pavement applications. Contractors, road authorities, and asphalt plants buy SS-1h in bulk, making price predictability mission-critical for project budgeting.
Three cost drivers dominate the final SS-1h price:
- **Base asphalt price** – tracks crude oil benchmarks (Brent/WTI), accounting for 70–80% of total cost
- **Emulsifier type and dosage** – 1.5–3% of emulsion weight, costing $400–$900/ton depending on chemistry
- **Freight and packaging** – drummed vs. bulk tanker, plus ocean freight and port handling
SS-1h Bitumen Emulsion Price Table (2025, FOB/FOB Equivalent)
| Region / Origin | Price per Metric Ton (USD) | 20-Ton Shipment Total | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) | $290–$360 | $5,800–$7,200 | 7–14 days |
| Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore) | $320–$400 | $6,400–$8,000 | 10–18 days |
| India | $280–$350 | $5,600–$7,000 | 12–20 days |
| Europe (Rotterdam/Basel) | $380–$450 | $7,600–$9,000 | 14–21 days |
| South America (Brazil, Venezuela) | $340–$420 | $6,800–$8,400 | 15–25 days |
| China | $300–$370 | $6,000–$7,400 | 10–16 days |
Note: Prices are indicative FOB figures as of Q1 2025. CIF pricing adds $40–$120/ton depending on destination port and Incoterms. Drummed packaging adds $25–$45/ton versus bulk tanker or flexitank.
Cost Breakdown: What You're Actually Paying For
Understanding the line-item cost structure helps buyers negotiate and benchmark quotes. A typical $330/ton FOB SS-1h emulsion breaks down as follows:
| Cost Component | Share of Total | Approx. USD per Ton |
|---|---|---|
| Base asphalt (60% residue) | 65–72% | $215–$238 |
| Emulsifier & additives | 8–12% | $26–$40 |
| Water & processing | 3–5% | $10–$17 |
| Packaging (flexitank/drums) | 4–6% | $13–$20 |
| Inland logistics & port fees | 5–8% | $17–$26 |
| Supplier margin | 6–10% | $20–$33 |
Key insight: Because base asphalt is the dominant cost, SS-1h prices move almost 1:1 with crude oil (a $10/barrel Brent move shifts SS-1h by roughly $18–$24/ton within 30–45 days).
SS-1h vs. Other Bitumen Emulsion Grades: Price Comparison
Buyers often compare SS-1h to alternative grades. Here's how pricing stacks up:
| Grade | Setting Speed | Residue Content | Price Range (USD/ton) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **SS-1h** | Slow | 57–60% | **$280–$450** | Micro-surfacing, slurry seal |
| SS-1 | Slow | 57% | $270–$430 | Tack coats, cold mix |
| CSS-1h | Slow (cationic) | 57–60% | $310–$470 | Premium slurry, wet climates |
| CRS-2 | Rapid (cationic) | 65% | $350–$520 | Chip seal, surface dressing |
| RS-1 | Rapid (anionic) | 55% | $300–$460 | Tack coat, base stabilization |
Takeaway: SS-1h sits at the mid-to-lower price tier among emulsions, but its harder residue delivers better aggregate retention—often reducing total project cost by 8–15% versus softer emulsions that require more material.
Price Trends and Forecast (2024–2026)
| Period | Avg. SS-1h Price (USD/ton FOB) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | $310 | — |
| Q3 2024 | $335 | +8.1% |
| Q1 2025 | $330 | +6.5% |
| Q3 2025 (forecast) | $345 | +3.0% |
| Q1 2026 (forecast) | $355 | +7.6% |
Forecast rationale: Construction demand in MENA and Southeast Asia is rising 4–6% annually, while refinery bitumen output remains constrained by the global shift toward lighter crude slates. Expect moderate price escalation of 3–8% per year through 2026, with volatility spikes if Brent exceeds $95/barrel.
How to Reduce Your SS-1h Bitumen Price
Practical levers buyers use to cut costs by 10–20%:
- **Order in bulk** – 500+ tons unlocks 5–12% discounts; 5,000+ tons can reach 15%
- **Buy off-season** – Q4 (Northern Hemisphere winter) sees prices dip **3–7%** as road construction slows
- **Choose flexitanks over drums** – saves **$25–$45/ton** in packaging
- **Negotiate CIF with bundled freight** – consolidating multiple grades or shipments cuts $15–$30/ton
- **Lock in fixed-price contracts** – 6–12 month contracts hedge against crude spikes
- **Source from closer refineries** – freight from Middle East to South Asia is **$40–$70/ton** vs. **$90–$130/ton** from Europe
FAQ: SS-1h Bitumen Emulsion Price
Q1: What is the current price of SS-1h bitumen emulsion per ton?
As of Q1 2025, SS-1h prices range from $280 to $450 per metric ton FOB, with a global average of approximately $330/ton. Middle East suppliers offer the lowest rates ($290–$360), while European suppliers charge a premium ($380–$450) due to stricter environmental compliance and higher energy costs.
Q2: How much does a 20-ton container of SS-1h cost?
A 20-ton shipment costs between $5,600 and $9,000 FOB, or $6,200–$10,200 CIF depending on destination. Add $500–$900 for drummed packaging if you require it instead of bulk flexitanks.
Q3: Why is SS-1h more expensive than SS-1?
SS-1h uses a harder base asphalt residue and often a higher emulsifier dosage to stabilize the harder grade, adding $10–$25/ton over standard SS-1. The harder residue also delivers superior aggregate bonding, which reduces reapplication frequency and lowers lifecycle cost by 10–18% .
Q4: What factors cause SS-1h prices to change?
The three biggest drivers are crude oil prices (70–80% correlation) , emulsifier chemical costs, and ocean freight rates. A $10/barrel crude increase typically pushes SS-1h up by $18–$24/ton within 30–45 days.
Q5: How do I get an accurate SS-1h quote for my project?
Provide your volume (tons), destination port, Incoterms (FOB/CIF), packaging preference (bulk/drums), and delivery timeline to suppliers. Quotes valid for only 5–10 days are standard due to market volatility—insist on written validity periods.
Calculate Your Exact SS-1h Bitumen Cost Instantly
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