Tunisia Bitumen Import Demand
Last updated: 2026-10-05
Tunisia Bitumen Import Demand: Direct Answer
Tunisia's bitumen import demand is estimated at 280,000–340,000 metric tons per year, with penetration-grade 40/50 and 60/70 bitumen accounting for roughly 85% of total volume. The country imports nearly 100% of its bitumen due to the absence of domestic refining capacity at scale, sourcing primarily from Algeria, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, at delivered prices ranging from $420 to $510 per metric ton CIF Tunis/Rades in 2024–2025.
Why Tunisia Relies on Bitumen Imports
Tunisia produces virtually zero refined bitumen domestically. The STIR refinery in Zarzouna (Bizerte) and the Gabès refinery have limited asphalt-grade output and focus primarily on fuels for the domestic market. As a result:
- ~95–100% of bitumen consumed in Tunisia is imported
- Annual imports rose from ~240,000 tons in 2019 to an estimated 310,000 tons in 2024
- Infrastructure spending under Tunisia's 2021–2025 Five-Year Development Plan is the primary demand driver
- Road construction and rehabilitation — Tunisia's road network spans ~20,000 km, with a growing share of overlay and full-depth reconstruction projects
- Government infrastructure programs — National road agency (DGPC) tenders and municipal paving works
- Airport and port expansion — Enfidha, Tunis-Carthage, and Radès port upgrades
- Private sector real estate — parking areas, industrial yards, and access roads
- Energy sector roads — access routes tied to solar and gas projects in the south
Tunisia Bitumen Import Demand by Year: Volume and Value
| Year | Import Volume (metric tons) | Avg. CIF Price ($/MT) | Total Import Value ($M) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 240,000 | $395 | $94.8 | — |
| 2020 | 195,000 | $340 | $66.3 | -18.8% |
| 2021 | 265,000 | $410 | $108.7 | +35.9% |
| 2022 | 300,000 | $485 | $145.5 | +13.2% |
| 2023 | 295,000 | $470 | $138.7 | -1.7% |
| 2024 | 310,000 | $455 | $141.1 | +5.1% |
| 2025 (est.) | 330,000 | $440 | $145.2 | +6.5% |
Figures are estimates compiled from trade statistics, port data, and market benchmarks.
Key observation: Volumes dipped sharply in 2020 due to COVID-19 construction lockdowns, then rebounded strongly in 2021–2022 as infrastructure spending resumed. Price peaks in 2022 reflected global crude oil volatility following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Where Tunisia's Bitumen Comes From: Source Country Comparison
| Source Country | Est. Share of Tunisia Imports | Typical Grade | CIF Tunis/Rades ($/MT) | Transit Time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 35–40% | 40/50, 60/70 | $420–$450 | 2–4 |
| Italy | 20–25% | 50/70, 70/100 | $455–$485 | 3–5 |
| Spain | 12–18% | 40/50, 60/70 | $460–$495 | 4–6 |
| Turkey | 8–12% | 60/70, 160/220 | $470–$510 | 5–8 |
| Greece | 5–8% | 50/70 | $465–$500 | 4–6 |
| Others (UAE, Egypt) | 5–10% | Various | $480–$520 | 7–14 |
- Algeria dominates because of geographic proximity (land border crossing at Oum Teboul and Babouche), lower freight costs, and preferential trade agreements
- European suppliers (Italy, Spain, Greece) compete on grade availability and quality certification (EN 12591 compliance)
- Turkish and Middle Eastern suppliers gain share during European supply shortages
- Price sensitivity: Algerian bitumen is typically $30–$50/MT cheaper than Italian product
- Quality requirements: Major DGPC tenders often specify EN 12591:2009 compliance, favoring EU-sourced material
- Lead time: Algerian road tankers can deliver in 48–72 hours vs. 5–8 days for sea freight from Turkey
Price Trends and Cost Structure for Tunisia Bitumen Imports
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Share of Delivered Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FOB bitumen price | $380–$450/MT | 82–88% |
| Ocean/road freight | $25–$60/MT | 6–12% |
| Insurance | $3–$8/MT | <2% |
| Port handling (Rades/Tunis) | $8–$15/MT | 2–4% |
| Customs & import duties | 0–10% | Varies |
| Inland transport to site | $15–$35/MT | 3–6% |
Important note: Tunisia applies a customs duty of 0–10% on bitumen imports depending on the trade agreement and HS code classification (HS 2713.20). Under the Agadir Agreement and EU Association Agreement, certain origins qualify for reduced or zero duties.
- 2019: ~$395/MT CIF
- 2020: ~$340/MT (pandemic demand collapse)
- 2022: ~$485/MT (post-conflict peak)
- 2024–2025: stabilizing around $440–$460/MT
Buyers with large annual contracts (10,000+ MT) typically secure $10–$25/MT discounts versus spot purchases.
Logistics and Delivery: How Bitumen Reaches Tunisian Projects
| Delivery Mode | Typical Volume | Port/Entry Point | Delivery Time to Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea bulk (vessel) | 3,000–15,000 MT | Rades, Tunis, Sfax | 5–10 days post-discharge |
| ISO tank container | 20–24 MT | Rades, Tunis | 3–7 days |
| Road tanker (Algeria) | 25–35 MT | Oum Teboul, Babouche | 24–72 hours |
| Drummed | 150–200 kg/drum | Rades, Sfax | 3–7 days |
- Rades port handles ~70% of Tunisia's bitumen imports
- Sfax and Bizerte serve southern and northern projects respectively
- Storage capacity at Tunisian ports is limited — major importers maintain 5,000–15,000 MT of heated storage
- Peak season: April–October (road construction weather window)
- Low season: November–February (30–40% lower monthly volume)
- Ramadan and summer heat can shift project schedules
Outlook: Tunisia Bitumen Import Demand 2025–2030
| Forecast Metric | 2025 | 2027 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import volume (MT) | 330,000 | 355,000 | 390,000 |
| Avg. CIF price ($/MT) | $440 | $450 | $465 |
| Import value ($M) | $145 | $160 | $181 |
| Polymer-modified share | 12% | 16% | 22% |
Growth drivers:
- Tunisia's 2026–2030 infrastructure budget includes $2.1B for road rehabilitation
- Rising adoption of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) for high-traffic roads
- EU-funded transport corridor projects (Trans-Maghreb Highway segment)
Risks:
- Foreign exchange constraints and Tunisian dinar volatility
- Delays in government tender disbursement
- Competition from regional suppliers expanding capacity (Algeria, Egypt)
FAQ: Tunisia Bitumen Import Demand
Q1: How much bitumen does Tunisia import annually?
Tunisia imports approximately 280,000–340,000 metric tons of bitumen per year, with 2024 volumes estimated at 310,000 MT and 2025 projected at 330,000 MT. Nearly 100% of consumption is met through imports.
Q2: Which countries supply most of Tunisia's bitumen?
Algeria supplies 35–40%, followed by Italy (20–25%), Spain (12–18%), and Turkey (8–12%). Algeria's dominance is driven by proximity, lower freight costs, and land-border delivery within 48–72 hours.
Q3: What is the current price of bitumen imported into Tunisia?
Delivered CIF prices at Rades/Tunis range from $420 to $510 per metric ton in 2024–2025, depending on grade, origin, and contract size. Algerian 40/50 grade is typically at the lower end ($420–$450/MT), while Turkish or Mediterranean-origin 60/70 grades sit at $470–$510/MT.
Q4: What grades of bitumen does Tunisia import most?
Penetration grades 40/50 and 60/70 account for ~85% of imports, used primarily for road construction and rehabilitation. Polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) represents 10–14% and is growing at 15–20% per year as high-traffic road specifications tighten.
Q5: How long does it take to import bitumen into Tunisia?
Sea freight from Italy takes 3–5 days, from Spain 4–6 days, and from Turkey 5–8 days. Algerian road tanker deliveries arrive in 24–72 hours. Add 3–7 days for customs clearance, port handling, and inland transport to project sites.
Calculate Your Tunisia Bitumen Import Cost Instantly
Planning a bitumen shipment to Tunisia? Use the 6Tar cost calculator to estimate your landed cost per metric ton — including FOB price, freight, insurance, port handling, customs duties, and inland transport to Rades, Sfax, or Bizerte.
→ Try the 6Tar cost calculator now and get your Tunisia bitumen import quote in under 60 seconds.