Bitumen Price in Mexico Today
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Bitumen Price in Mexico Today
As of mid-2026, the benchmark bitumen price in Mexico today ranges from MXN 9,800 to MXN 11,400 per metric ton (approximately USD 510–595/ton) for bulk PG 64-22 and 60/70 penetration-grade asphalt, delivered ex-terminal. Spot pricing for imported Venezuelan and US Gulf Coast cargoes landed at Altamira or Tuxpan is currently averaging USD 545 per metric ton, reflecting a 4.2% increase versus the same week last quarter.
The Mexican asphalt market sits at the intersection of PEMEX production constraints, US Gulf Coast export economics, and a national road-building program that consumes roughly 480,000 metric tons of bitumen per year. This article breaks down current pricing by grade and region, compares Mexico against regional benchmarks, and explains the drivers moving the number week to week.
Current Bitumen Price Benchmarks in Mexico (2026)
Mexico does not operate a single transparent exchange like Singapore or Rotterdam, so "the" price is really a range depending on grade, delivery terms, and volume. The table below consolidates quoted prices from terminal suppliers, importers, and PEMEX commercial channels as of the current quarter.
| Grade / Product | Delivery Basis | Price (MXN/t) | Price (USD/t) | Change vs. Q-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG 64-22 (bulk) | Ex-terminal, Altamira | 10,250 | 535 | +3.8% |
| Pen 60/70 (bulk) | Ex-terminal, Tuxpan | 10,480 | 547 | +4.1% |
| Pen 60/70 (bulk) | Ex-terminal, Manzanillo | 11,150 | 582 | +5.2% |
| AC-20 (drummed) | FOB Mexico City | 11,400 | 595 | +2.6% |
| Cutback RC-250 | Delivered, Bajío region | 12,300 | 642 | +6.0% |
| Emulsion CSS-1h | Delivered, national avg. | 9,800 | 512 | +1.9% |
Key takeaways from the data:
- Pacific coast terminals (Manzanillo) carry a USD 35–47/ton premium over Gulf coast terminals due to inland freight and limited import berths.
- Drummed product trades at a 7–11% premium over bulk, driven by packaging and handling costs.
- Emulsions are the cheapest per ton but contain 30–35% water, so the effective binder cost is comparable to bulk penetration grade.
- Year-on-year, the average landed cost has risen 6.4%, tracking Brent crude and US Gulf Coast asphalt export values.
For buyers comparing Mexico to other Latin American sources, Colombian and Venezuelan cargoes are currently offered at USD 505–525/ton CFR, undercutting domestic and US-origin supply by roughly 3–6%.
What Drives the Bitumen Price in Mexico Today
Five factors explain nearly all short-term price movement in the Mexican market. Understanding them helps buyers time purchases and negotiate better.
PEMEX's refineries (Salina Cruz, Tula, Cadereyta) produce a variable share of national asphalt demand — historically 30–45%. When refinery runs dip, the shortfall is filled by imports, and prices spike. In the current quarter, PEMEX output covers an estimated 38% of demand, leaving 62% (roughly 298,000 t/year) to imports.
Mexico's import price floor is set by US Gulf Coast (USGC) export values. When USGC asphalt trades at USD 480–500/ton FOB, Mexico landings price at USD 530–555/ton after freight (USD 25–35/t), insurance, and port costs.
| Cost Component | USD/ton |
|---|---|
| USGC FOB base | 490 |
| Ocean freight to Altamira | 28 |
| Insurance & port dues | 9 |
| Inland transport (avg.) | 18 |
| Landed, delivered | 545 |
Mexico's paving season runs March through November. Demand peaks from May to September, when public works budgets (SCT and state programs) are disbursed. Expect USD 15–25/ton seasonal premiums in peak months and USD 10–20/ton discounts in December–February.
Roughly 62% of supply is import-linked, so the peso-dollar rate directly moves local pricing. A 5% peso depreciation typically adds 4–5% to MXN-quoted prices within 2–3 weeks, as importers reprice inventory.
Inland freight from Gulf terminals to central Mexico (Bajío, Mexico City) runs MXN 900–1,400/ton, or about USD 47–73. This single cost item explains most of the spread between Gulf and Pacific pricing.
Mexico vs. Regional Bitumen Price Comparison
Buyers sourcing for Mexican projects should benchmark against these regional reference points:
| Market | Grade | Price (USD/t) | Basis | vs. Mexico Gulf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico (Altamira) | Pen 60/70 | 547 | Ex-terminal | — |
| US Gulf Coast | AC-20 | 490 | FOB | −10.4% |
| Colombia (Cartagena) | Pen 60/70 | 515 | CFR Mexico | −5.9% |
| Venezuela (José) | Pen 60/70 | 505 | CFR Mexico | −7.7% |
| Spain (Bilbao) | Pen 50/70 | 560 | FOB | +2.4% |
| Brazil (Suape) | Pen 60/70 | 555 | CFR Mexico | +1.5% |
Implications:
- Venezuelan and Colombian cargoes offer the best value when sanctions and logistics permit — often USD 30–42/ton below delivered Mexican domestic product.
- European imports rarely compete on price but win on specification consistency for polymer-modified and specialized grades.
- US Gulf Coast remains the reliable swing supplier; when Colombian availability tightens, Mexico defaults to USGC pricing within days.
Price Outlook for the Next 90 Days
Forward expectations for the bitumen price in Mexico depend on three signals:
- Crude trajectory: Brent at USD 78–84/bbl supports asphalt at USD 530–570/ton CFR Mexico. A move to USD 90 would push quotes toward USD 600+.
- PEMEX refinery runs: Any unplanned outage at Salina Cruz or Tula would tighten supply by 15,000–25,000 t/month, adding USD 12–20/ton within weeks.
- Public works disbursement: Q3 budget releases typically lift demand 12–18%, supporting a USD 10–15/ton seasonal premium through September.
Base-case forecast (90 days):
| Scenario | Probability | Price Range (USD/t CFR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stable crude, normal runs | 55% | 535–560 |
| Crude +USD 6, supply tight | 25% | 570–600 |
| Crude −USD 5, ample imports | 20% | 505–530 |
Buyers with storage capacity typically lock 40–60% of forward volume when prices sit near the bottom of the range, then buy spot to cover peaks.
Practical Buying Checklist for Mexican Bitumen
- Confirm grade equivalency: Mexico uses both PG and penetration grading; ensure your spec (e.g., PG 64-22 vs. Pen 60/70) matches the project binder requirement.
- Verify delivery basis: Ex-terminal, CFR port, or delivered site can differ by USD 60–90/ton.
- Check origin documentation: Imported cargoes need certificates of origin and quality; Venezuelan product may face additional compliance steps.
- Lock FX exposure: If quoting in MXN, hedge or fix the rate, since 62% of cost is import-linked.
- Plan for seasonality: December–February purchases historically save USD 10–20/ton versus mid-summer.
- Test before bulk: Request a 20L sample and lab report for viscosity, penetration, and softening point before committing to a 5,000+ ton order.
FAQ: Bitumen Price in Mexico Today
What is the current bitumen price in Mexico?
As of today, bulk PG 64-22 and Pen 60/70 range from MXN 9,800 to MXN 11,400 per metric ton (USD 510–595/ton), depending on grade, terminal, and delivery terms. Gulf coast terminals (Altamira, Tuxpan) are cheapest; Pacific and inland deliveries carry a premium.
Why is bitumen more expensive in Mexico than the US Gulf Coast?
Mexico imports 62% of its bitumen, so landed prices include ocean freight (USD 25–35/t), insurance, port dues, and inland transport (USD 47–73/t). This structure keeps Mexican delivered prices 8–12% above USGC FOB benchmarks in most quarters.
How much does bitumen cost per ton in Mexico for road construction?
For paving projects, budget USD 545–595 per metric ton delivered to central Mexico, or MXN 10,400–11,400, including inland freight. Emulsions cost less per ton (USD 510) but contain 30–35% water, so binder cost per paved square meter is similar.
Is bitumen price in Mexico expected to rise this year?
The base case points to USD 535–560/ton CFR over the next 90 days, with a 25% probability of reaching USD 570–600 if crude rises or PEMEX output falls. Seasonal Q3 demand typically adds USD 10–15/ton.
Which is cheaper: imported or domestic Mexican bitumen?
Imported Venezuelan and Colombian cargoes are currently USD 30–42/ton cheaper than domestic product when available, landing at USD 505–525/ton CFR. However, supply reliability, sanctions compliance, and specification consistency often favor domestic or US Gulf Coast origin.
Calculate Your Exact Landed Cost with 6Tar
Benchmark ranges are useful, but your real number depends on volume, port, inland distance, and grade. Use the 6Tar cost calculator to enter your tonnage, destination, and preferred origin, and get a landed bitumen cost per ton in seconds — including freight, insurance, port dues, and FX. Run two or three scenarios before your next tender, and negotiate from data rather than guesswork.