Iraq Bitumen Supplier

OPPORTUNITIES, QUALITY, AND MARKET POTENTIAL

Iraq, a country with a long history of petroleum production, is increasingly gaining attention in the global bitumen market. With its rich reserves and growing refining capacity, Iraq is emerging as a significant player in the supply of various grades of bitumen. This post explores the potential of Iraq bitumen, its specifications, applications, and the opportunities it presents to importers, contractors, and infrastructure developers around the world.

BITUMEN INDUSTRY IN IRAQ

Bitumen, a vital binding material used primarily in road construction and waterproofing applications, is produced from the residue of crude oil refining. Iraq, endowed with some of the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, has naturally positioned itself as a promising source of high-quality bitumen.

Over the past decade, the Iraqi government and private investors have taken steps to revitalize the country’s oil refining infrastructure. Refineries such as those in Basra, Baiji, and Doura have increased their focus on producing various grades of bitumen, particularly Penetration Grade Bitumen (such as 60/70 and 80/100) and Oxidized Bitumen.

SPECIFICATIONS AND GRADES AVAILABLE

Iraqi bitumen is known for meeting international standards and is commonly exported in the following grades:

Penetration Grade Bitumen: 60/70, 80/100, 40/50
Oxidized Bitumen: 85/25, 90/15, 115/15
Cutback Bitumen and Bitumen Emulsions: Available upon request

These grades are suitable for a wide range of applications, including asphalt paving, road maintenance, and industrial uses.

IRAQ BITUMEN 60/70 (POSITIVE SPOT TEST)

Iraq Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration-grade bitumen produced from Vacuum Residue (VR), which is the dense, heavy residue remaining after the distillation of crude oil in refinery towers. This bitumen is known for its cost-effectiveness and has gained popularity in various international markets.

One of the key characteristics of Iraqi Bitumen 60/70 is its relatively high sulfur content, which is indicative of lower purity compared to other grades. Additionally, it typically exhibits ductility in the range of approximately 64 cm, reflecting its performance under tensile stress.

While Iraq Bitumen 60/70 meets many construction requirements, especially in road paving and asphalt applications, its chemical composition and performance characteristics should be carefully considered based on project specifications and environmental conditions.

RISING GLOBAL DEMAND AND EXPORT GROWTH

In recent years, Iraq has emerged as a key player in the global bitumen market, particularly with its production and export of Bitumen 60/70, a widely used penetration grade bitumen. According to official export data, more than 1,661,043 metric tons of Bitumen 60/70 were shipped from Iraq in 2021 alone, reaching customers in over 20 countries across the globe. This growing demand can be attributed to several factors. Most notably, Iraqi Bitumen 60/70 has become increasingly popular due to its competitive pricing, positive spot test quality, and consistency in meeting international standards. These qualities make it a highly attractive option for countries looking to import reliable bitumen for use in road construction, paving, and various infrastructure projects.

Bitumen 60/70 is one of the most commonly used penetration grades, ideal for temperate climates due to its balanced hardness and flexibility. Iraq’s ability to produce this grade in large volumes, coupled with improved logistics through major ports like Umm Qasr and Basra, has enhanced its export capabilities and positioned it as a reliable supplier in the Middle East and Asia. As global infrastructure spending continues to rise, particularly in developing economies, the demand for affordable and high-quality bitumen is expected to increase. Iraq’s bitumen export sector is likely to benefit from this trend, provided the country continues to invest in refining technology, quality control, and export infrastructure.

In conclusion, Iraq’s Bitumen 60/70 has carved out a growing share in the international market, offering both quality and cost advantages. Its expanding footprint is a sign of the country’s evolving role in the global petroleum and construction materials supply chain. Iraq exports bitumen through key ports such as Umm Qasr and via overland routes to neighboring countries. The strategic location of Iraq provides easy access to markets in the Middle East, Asia, and East Africa. Bulk packaging options include steel drums, jumbo bags, and bitutainers, allowing flexibility based on buyer preferences.

Despite challenges in logistics and infrastructure, the Iraqi bitumen supply chain is improving, and exporters have become more responsive and competitive in global tenders.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF BITUMEN 60/70

PROPERTY	TEST METHOD	UNIT	SPECIFICATION
Penetration @ 25°c (100g, 5s)	ASTM D5	0.1 mm	60-70
Softening point °c	ASTM D36	°C	49-56
Ductility @ 25°c	ASTM D113	cm	>100 min
Specific gravity @ 25 °c	ASTM D70	-	1.01-1.06
Flashpoint °c	ASTM D92	°C	>250 min
Loss on heating(5h at 163 °C) %	ASTM D6	wt %	<0.2 max
Drop in Penetration after heating %	ASTM D5	%	<20 max
Solubility is Trichloroethylene	ASTM D2042	wt %	>99
Spot test	ASHTO T102	-	Postive