Iraq Bitumen Export Overview
Last updated: 2026-10-06
Iraq Bitumen Export Overview
Iraq exports approximately 1.2–1.8 million metric tons of bitumen annually, generated primarily as a by-product of domestic crude oil refining and concentrated in the Basra region. Benchmark FOB export prices for Iraqi penetration-grade bitumen (60/70 and 40/50) typically range between $340 and $480 per metric ton, depending on crude benchmarks, seasonality, and freight conditions in the Persian Gulf. The country is a mid-tier regional exporter rather than a global price-setter, with most volume moving to Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East through the Umm Qasr and Khor Al Zubair port complexes.
Iraq Bitumen Export: Production Capacity and Supply Base
Iraq's bitumen supply is not a standalone industry — it is a downstream derivative of the country's refining sector. The State Company for Oil Projects (SCOP) and the Ministry of Oil oversee most production, while private refineries in Basra, Dhi Qar, and Maysan provinces contribute a growing share.
Key supply characteristics:
- Annual export volume: ~1.2–1.8 million metric tons (varies with refinery utilization)
- Primary grades: Penetration grades 60/70, 40/50, and increasing volumes of PG 64-22 for polymer-modified blends
- Main production hubs: Basra (Shuaiba and Zubair refineries), Nassiriya, and Samawah
- Packaging: Predominantly bulk (vessels and flexitanks); drummed and jumbo-bag exports are limited but growing
| Refinery / Hub | Estimated Bitumen Output (t/yr) | Primary Grade | Export Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basra (Shuaiba/Zubair) | 650,000–850,000 | 60/70, 40/50 | Umm Qasr |
| Nassiriya | 200,000–300,000 | 60/70 | Khor Al Zubair |
| Samawah | 100,000–150,000 | 40/50 | Umm Qasr |
| Private refineries (Basra/Dhi Qar) | 250,000–500,000 | 60/70, PG 64-22 | Umm Qasr / flexitank |
| Total | ~1.2M–1.8M | — | — |
A critical supply constraint is that Iraqi refineries prioritize domestic fuel demand (gasoline, diesel, kerosene) before bitumen. When refinery throughput falls — due to maintenance, power outages, or export pipeline disruptions — bitumen availability tightens within 7–14 days, and spot prices can spike by 8–15%.
Price Benchmarks: Iraq vs Regional Competitors
Iraqi bitumen is priced at a discount of roughly 5–12% against Iranian bitumen and sits in a similar band to UAE and Bahraini material. The discount reflects logistics friction (port congestion, documentation delays) rather than quality differences — Iraqi 60/70 routinely meets ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20 specifications.
| Origin | Grade | FOB Price Range (USD/t) | Typical Destination | Lead Time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 60/70 | $340–$460 | India, Kenya, Bangladesh | 12–25 |
| Iran | 60/70 | $360–$490 | China, India, Oman | 10–20 |
| UAE | 60/70 | $380–$500 | East Africa, South Asia | 7–15 |
| Bahrain | 60/70 | $375–$495 | India, Saudi Arabia | 8–16 |
| Saudi Arabia | 60/70 | $390–$510 | Egypt, Jordan, Asia | 10–18 |
Pricing drivers to watch:
- Basrah Heavy crude differential — a $5/bbl swing moves bitumen cost by roughly $25–30/t
- Vessel availability at Umm Qasr — berth waiting times of 3–9 days are common in peak season (Q3–Q4)
- Iranian export volumes — when Iranian flows drop due to sanctions enforcement, Iraqi spot premiums rise 6–10% within two weeks
- India and East Africa demand cycles — monsoon season (June–September) reduces Indian offtake by 15–25%
Export Logistics and Shipping Routes
Iraq's bitumen export chain is port-dependent and less flexible than Gulf competitors. Nearly all bulk volume exits through Umm Qasr (North and South terminals) and Khor Al Zubair, both in Basra Governorate. This concentration creates both cost advantages (short inland haul) and risks (single-point disruption).
| Route | Destination | Transit Time (days) | Typical Freight (USD/t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umm Qasr → Mundra, India | South Asia | 6–10 | $28–$42 |
| Umm Qasr → Chittagong, Bangladesh | South Asia | 10–14 | $38–$55 |
| Umm Qasr → Mombasa, Kenya | East Africa | 12–18 | $45–$65 |
| Umm Qasr → Dar es Salaam | East Africa | 14–20 | $50–$70 |
| Umm Qasr → Jebel Ali (transship) | Middle East | 2–4 | $15–$25 |
Operational notes for buyers:
- Flexitank exports are expanding because they bypass drumming costs and suit 20–24 t container loads — ideal for smaller importers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Yemen.
- Bulk vessel parcels typically start at 3,000–5,000 t, making Iraq less accessible to small buyers than Iran, which offers smaller lot sizes.
- Documentation cycle: Certificate of Origin, COA, and Bill of Lading typically take 5–10 working days after loading; delays of 2–4 days are common during Iraqi public holidays.
Quality Specifications and Compliance
Iraqi bitumen is generally compliant with international paving standards, but buyers should verify batch-level COAs because private refinery output varies more than state refinery output.
| Parameter | Iraqi 60/70 (Typical) | ASTM D946 Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (0.1 mm) | 60–70 | 60–70 |
| Softening point (°C) | 49–56 | 48–56 |
| Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | 100+ | 100 min |
| Solubility in TCE (%) | 99.0–99.5 | 99.0 min |
| Flash point (°C) | 230–250 | 230 min |
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | 1.01–1.05 | Report |
Buyer checklist:
- Request batch-specific COA — not a generic refinery certificate
- Confirm penetration grade matches the project spec (60/70 vs 40/50 are not interchangeable)
- Verify polymer modification claims with IR spectroscopy if PG grades are ordered
- Check sulfur content for environmental compliance in EU-adjacent markets (rarely an issue for Asian/African buyers)
Market Outlook: 2025–2027
Iraq's bitumen export trajectory depends on three variables: refinery capacity expansion, domestic fuel demand, and regional competition.
- Capacity: Planned upgrades at Basra and Nassiriya could add 150,000–250,000 t/yr of bitumen output by 2027.
- Domestic demand: Rising Iraqi road construction consumes 10–15% of current output, gradually reducing exportable surplus.
- Competition: Iranian and UAE material will continue to cap Iraqi pricing power; Iraq's advantage is proximity to Indian Ocean routes and competitive freight to East Africa.
- Risk factors: Port congestion, payment/documentation friction, and seasonal Iranian supply shifts.
Forecast ranges:
| Year | Export Volume (Mt) | Avg FOB Price (USD/t) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1.3–1.7 | $355–$470 |
| 2026 | 1.4–1.8 | $360–$485 |
| 2027 | 1.5–1.9 | $365–$500 |
FAQ: Iraq Bitumen Export
What is the current price of Iraqi bitumen for export?
Iraqi 60/70 bitumen typically exports at $340–$460 per metric ton FOB Umm Qasr, depending on crude benchmarks, grade, and season. Prices run 5–12% below Iranian material and are broadly aligned with UAE and Bahraini offers.
Which countries import the most Iraqi bitumen?
The largest buyers are India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, and Yemen, with growing volumes to Oman and the UAE for transshipment. East Africa and South Asia together account for roughly 70–80% of Iraqi bitumen exports.
What grades of bitumen does Iraq export?
Iraq primarily exports penetration grades 60/70 and 40/50, plus limited volumes of PG 64-22 and other polymer-modified grades from private refineries. All standard grades typically meet ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20 specifications.
How long does shipping take from Iraq to India or East Africa?
Transit from Umm Qasr to Mundra, India takes 6–10 days, while Mombasa, Kenya takes 12–18 days. Add 3–9 days for berth waiting at Umm Qasr during peak season (Q3–Q4).
What is the minimum order quantity for Iraqi bitumen?
Bulk vessel parcels typically start at 3,000–5,000 metric tons, while flexitank container shipments allow loads of 20–24 tons, making Iraq accessible to smaller importers. Minimum order terms depend on the trader and refinery allocation.
Calculate Your Iraq Bitumen Import Cost
Before you commit to a Basra-origin cargo, model the full landed cost — FOB price, freight, port charges, documentation, and inland delivery. Use the 6Tar cost calculator to compare Iraqi 60/70 and 40/50 offers against Iranian, UAE, and Bahraini alternatives in seconds, and lock in the most competitive route for your market.