Myanmar Bitumen Import Demand
Last updated: 2026-10-03
Myanmar's bitumen import demand is projected at 620,000–680,000 metric tons in 2025, up roughly 9% year-on-year, driven by road rehabilitation under the Ministry of Construction's five-year highway program. The country imports over 95% of its bitumen, almost entirely in 1,000 kg jumbo bags and flexitanks via Thilawa and Yangon ports. Benchmark 60/70 penetration grade landed at $485–$530 per MT CFR Yangon in Q1 2025, versus $445–$470 for the same period in 2024.
Myanmar Bitumen Market Size and Import Volume Trends
Myanmar produces negligible domestic bitumen — the Thanlyin and Chauk refineries supply only light distillates — so import volumes track almost 1:1 with national road spending. Volumes dipped in 2020–2021 during the pandemic and post-coup disruption, then recovered strongly from 2023 as Chinese and Thai suppliers resumed open-account terms.
| Year | Import Volume (MT) | YoY Change | Primary Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 310,000 | −22% | COVID-19, border closures |
| 2021 | 265,000 | −15% | Political disruption, FX shortage |
| 2022 | 340,000 | +28% | Stock rebuilding, road maintenance catch-up |
| 2023 | 495,000 | +46% | ADB/JICA-funded road projects restart |
| 2024 | 585,000 | +18% | Urban road upgrades, Yangon–Mandalay expressway works |
| 2025 (f) | 620,000–680,000 | +9% | Highway rehabilitation, 2025–26 fiscal budget release |
| 2026 (f) | 700,000–760,000 | +11% | Asian Highway 1 & 2 upgrades, SEZ road links |
Key structural facts:
- ~70% of imports are consumed by government-tendered road projects
- Import seasonality is sharp: 65–70% of annual volume lands in October–April (dry season construction window)
- Average shipment size has grown from 180 MT (2019) to 320 MT (2024) as buyers consolidate orders
Which Countries Supply Myanmar's Bitumen?
Supply is dominated by four origins, with Singapore and Thailand holding roughly two-thirds of the market by volume. South Korea and China compete on grade availability and payment terms rather than price.
| Origin | 2024 Volume (MT) | Market Share | Typical Grade | Avg. CFR Yangon (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 205,000 | 35% | 60/70, 80/100 | 505 |
| Thailand | 175,000 | 30% | 60/70 | 480 |
| South Korea | 105,000 | 18% | 60/70, PG 64-22 | 540 |
| China | 70,000 | 12% | 60/70, 90/100 | 465 |
| Others (Malaysia, UAE) | 30,000 | 5% | Various | 470–520 |
Supply-side dynamics to watch:
- Chinese exporters gained share in 2024 by offering CNF terms with 60–90 day credit, unusual in this market
- Thai suppliers benefit from 3–5 day truck delivery via Myawaddy border, cutting lead times versus 14–21 days by sea
- Singapore-origin cargo commands a $20–$35/MT premium on reputation for certified penetration grades
- South Korean material is preferred for polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) on bridge deck and expressway work
Price Drivers: What Moves Myanmar Bitumen Import Demand
Landed price in Myanmar is a function of four stacked costs. Because the market is entirely import-dependent, changes in any layer pass through within one to two shipment cycles (30–45 days) .
| Cost Layer | Share of Landed Price | Q1 2025 Range (USD/MT) | Key Variable |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB origin | 62–68% | 300–340 | Crude (Brent), refinery run rates |
| Ocean freight | 8–12% | 40–60 | Vessel availability, route (SG→Yangon) |
| Insurance & port | 4–7% | 20–35 | Thilawa Terminal handling fees |
| Import duty & taxes | 12–16% | 60–85 | Customs valuation, FX conversion |
| Inland logistics | 5–8% | 25–40 | Drum/bag handling, Yangon→project site |
Price benchmark history (60/70 grade, CFR Yangon):
| Period | Price (USD/MT) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2023 | 420–445 | — |
| Q1 2024 | 445–470 | +6% |
| Q3 2024 | 465–495 | +5% |
| Q1 2025 | 485–530 | +6% |
| Q2 2025 (f) | 475–515 | −2% (freight softening) |
Three demand triggers to monitor:
- MMK/USD volatility — a 10% kyat depreciation adds roughly $25–35/MT to landed cost and typically delays tenders by 4–6 weeks
- Government tender timing — Ministry of Construction releases bulk tenders in September and December; tender months see 15–20% spot price spikes
- Monsoon shutdown — June–September rains cut consumption by 40–50%, pushing buyers to destock rather than import
Import Logistics, Packaging, and Payment Terms
How bitumen physically moves into Myanmar matters as much as price. Two corridors dominate:
| Corridor | Route | Lead Time | Volume Share | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaborne | Singapore/Thailand/Korea → Thilawa or Yangon Port | 14–21 days | 80% | Jumbo bags, flexitanks, drums |
| Land border | Thailand → Myawaddy → Yangon/Mandalay | 3–5 days | 20% | Tankers, drums (mostly re-export) |
Packaging economics (per MT, indicative):
- Jumbo bags (1,000 kg): most common; easy storage in monsoon; +$8–12/MT handling
- Flexitanks (24 MT/container): lowest unit cost for large tenders; −$10–15/MT vs. bags; requires pump-out equipment
- Drums (180 kg): used for remote sites and small contractors; +$25–40/MT and slow to unload
Payment and contract terms:
- Letter of Credit (L/C) — still standard for first-time buyers, adds 7–14 days and 0.5–1.5% bank charges
- Telegraphic Transfer (TT) with 30% advance — common for repeat orders with Thai and Chinese suppliers
- Open account (30–60 days) — now offered by some Chinese and Malaysian sellers to locked-in distributors
- Typical minimum order: 100–250 MT for sea cargo; 20–40 MT for border truck delivery
Forecast 2025–2027: Where Myanmar Bitumen Import Demand Is Heading
Three forces will shape the next three years:
1. Infrastructure pipeline: The Asian Highway 1 & 2 upgrades, Yangon–Mandalay Expressway rehabilitation, and deep-sea port road links together represent an estimated 1.4–1.7 million MT of bitumen demand through 2027.
2. Domestic supply remains flat: No new refinery capacity is planned; import dependence stays above 95%.
3. Grade shift: Demand for PMB and CRMB is growing 12–15% annually for expressway and bridge work, even as standard 60/70 remains ~80% of volume.
| Forecast Metric | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import volume (MT) | 620,000–680,000 | 700,000–760,000 | 760,000–830,000 |
| Avg. CFR Yangon (USD/MT) | 475–530 | 460–520 | 450–510 |
| PMB share of volume | 9% | 12% | 15% |
| Land border share | 20% | 23% | 25% |
Buyer checklist for 2025–26 procurement:
- Lock Q4 2025 volumes by August to avoid pre-monsoon price spikes
- Compare flexitank vs. jumbo bag landed cost — savings of $10–15/MT on orders above 500 MT
- Verify third-party penetration and softening point certificates — counterfeit grade claims rose 18% in 2024
- Budget FX hedging or price-adjustment clauses if payment is in MMK
FAQ: Myanmar Bitumen Import Demand
How much bitumen does Myanmar import annually?
Myanmar imported approximately 585,000 MT in 2024 and is forecast to import 620,000–680,000 MT in 2025, a roughly 9% increase. The country relies on imports for over 95% of its bitumen consumption.
What is the current price of bitumen in Myanmar?
Benchmark 60/70 penetration grade landed at $485–$530 per MT CFR Yangon in Q1 2025, up about 6% year-on-year. Land-border supply from Thailand is typically $20–$30/MT cheaper but limited in volume and grade range.
Which countries supply most of Myanmar's bitumen?
Singapore (35%) and Thailand (30%) together supply about two-thirds of import volume, followed by South Korea (18%) and China (12%) . Chinese suppliers gained share in 2024 by offering longer credit terms.
What is the best time of year to import bitumen into Myanmar?
Peak landing season is October to April, when dry weather supports road construction and 65–70% of annual volume arrives. Importing in May–August can save $10–20/MT but risks monsoon storage and slow project drawdown.
What are the main risks for Myanmar bitumen importers in 2025?
The top three risks are kyat depreciation (a 10% drop adds $25–35/MT), tender timing volatility (15–20% spot spikes in September and December), and grade authenticity (counterfeit claims up 18% in 2024).
Calculate Your Myanmar Bitumen Landed Cost with 6Tar
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