Bitumen in China
China is one of the world’s leading consumers and producers of bitumen, driven by its extensive infrastructure projects and road construction demands. With a strong domestic refining industry and significant import requirements, the country hosts a vast network of manufacturers, refineries, suppliers, and distributors catering to both local and international markets. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top bitumen manufacturers, factories, suppliers, and exporters in China, along with import and export dynamics. With a booming infrastructure sector, the demand for high-quality bitumen continues to grow, driving investment in refineries and factories across the country. Major state-owned enterprises like Sinopec, PetroChina, and CNOOC dominate the market, alongside private manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters ensuring a steady supply chain for domestic and international markets.
China Bitumen Manufacturers and Producers
The following table lists the largest and most reputable bitumen manufacturers and producers in China:
| Rank | Name | Location | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sinopec | Beijing, China | One of the largest state-owned petroleum and chemical enterprises. | Refinery |
| 2 | PetroChina | Beijing, China | A subsidiary of CNPC, producing petroleum and bitumen products. | Refinery |
| 3 | CNOOC | Beijing, China | China National Offshore Oil Corporation, involved in bitumen refining. | Refinery |
| 4 | Shandong Jinan Bitumen Co., Ltd. | Shandong, China | Leading private enterprise producing high-quality bitumen for roads. | Factory |
| 5 | Guangdong Nanfang Road Tar Co., Ltd. | Guangdong, China | Manufacturer and supplier of road construction bitumen. | Factory |
China Bitumen Suppliers, Distributors, and Wholesalers
The table below highlights top suppliers, distributors, and wholesalers in China:
| Rank | Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China National Petroleum Corporation | Beijing, China | A major supplier of bitumen for industrial projects. |
| 2 | Sinochem Group | Beijing, China | One of China’s largest chemical and energy companies. |
| 3 | Shanghai Hongyu Industry Co., Ltd. | Shanghai, China | Supplier of various bitumen grades for construction. |
| 4 | Qingdao Longtai Bitumen Co., Ltd. | Qingdao, China | Distributor and wholesaler of bitumen products. |
| 5 | Shandong Hengyu Energy Co., Ltd. | Shandong, China | Leading supplier specializing in road paving solutions. |
Bitumen Exporters to China
The table below includes the top exporters of bitumen to China:
| Rank | Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petro Naft | UAE, Turkey | Supplier of various bitumen grades from UAE and Turkey. |
| 2 | Shell Bitumen | Singapore | Global supplier of premium quality bitumen. |
| 3 | TotalEnergies | France | Major exporter of bitumen and asphalt solutions to China. |
| 4 | SK Energy | South Korea | Largest petroleum company exporting bitumen to China. |
| 5 | ExxonMobil | USA | Leading global exporter of high-performance bitumen. |
Conclusion
China’s bitumen industry is a key player in the global market, driven by rapid urbanization, expanding infrastructure, and growing demand for high-quality road construction materials. The country is home to some of the largest and most reputable bitumen manufacturers, including state-owned enterprises like Sinopec, PetroChina, and CNOOC, which dominate production and refining. Additionally, numerous private factories and plants contribute significantly to domestic supply, ensuring a competitive and well-established bitumen market.
Despite its vast refining capabilities, China remains a major importer of specialized bitumen grades, sourcing from exporters such as Petro Naft, Shell, TotalEnergies, SK Energy, and ExxonMobil. These international suppliers provide premium products that meet the country’s stringent infrastructure requirements. Leading suppliers and distributors, such as CNPC, Sinochem Group, and Shanghai Hongyu Industry Co., Ltd., facilitate the nationwide distribution of bitumen to contractors and construction firms.
Looking ahead, the bitumen industry in China is expected to witness continued growth, supported by government initiatives to expand road networks, highways, and high-speed railway projects. The market is also shifting toward sustainable and high-performance bitumen solutions, such as polymer-modified and eco-friendly bitumen, which align with China’s environmental policies and long-term development strategies.
As one of the world’s largest consumers and producers of bitumen, China plays a crucial role in shaping global market trends, influencing pricing, trade flows, and technological advancements in the sector. For businesses looking to engage in China’s bitumen market—whether as manufacturers, suppliers, or exporters—understanding the key players, regulations, and market dynamics outlined in this report is essential for success.
Top FAQs: Expert Answers to Your Common Queries
Here are ten highly searched questions related to bitumen in China, along with expert answers:
1. What are the main types of bitumen used in China?
China primarily uses penetration-grade bitumen (e.g., 60/70, 80/100), polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), oxidized bitumen, and cutback bitumen. Penetration-grade bitumen is widely used for road construction, while PMB is preferred for high-performance asphalt applications.
2. Which industries in China consume the most bitumen?
The road construction industry is the largest consumer, followed by roofing, waterproofing, and industrial applications. The growing demand for durable asphalt pavements in urban infrastructure projects continues to drive bitumen consumption.
3. How does China ensure the quality of imported bitumen?
Imported bitumen must comply with national standards such as GB/T 494-2019, which sets specifications for penetration, softening point, and viscosity. Chinese customs and quality control agencies conduct rigorous inspections to ensure compliance.
4. What are the leading bitumen production hubs in China?
Major bitumen production hubs include Shandong, Guangdong, Liaoning, and Jiangsu provinces, where several refineries and factories are concentrated.
5. How does China’s bitumen production compare to its consumption?
Although China has significant refining capacity, its growing infrastructure projects often require additional imports, particularly high-quality polymer-modified and oxidized bitumen from international suppliers.
6. Who are the biggest exporters of bitumen to China?
Countries like the UAE, Singapore, South Korea, and the USA are major exporters. Companies like Petro Naft, Shell, TotalEnergies, SK Energy, and ExxonMobil are among the largest suppliers.
7. What are the key trends in China’s bitumen industry?
Key trends include increasing use of polymer-modified bitumen, eco-friendly bitumen production, and expansion of domestic refining capacities to reduce reliance on imports.
8. How do Chinese refineries produce bitumen?
Chinese refineries use fractional distillation of crude oil, followed by air blowing or polymer modification to enhance the bitumen’s properties for specific applications.
9. What are China’s import duties on bitumen?
China imposes different tariff rates based on the type of bitumen and its country of origin. Trade agreements may offer reduced tariffs for certain exporters.
10. How does China’s bitumen industry impact the global market?
China’s high demand influences global bitumen prices, trade flows, and refinery output, making it a key player in the international market.
Prepared by the PetroNaft Co. research team.