Asphalt and bitumen articles market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the US market for asphalt and bitumen articles expanded in volume, reaching 21.5 million tonnes in 2021 from 18.0 million tonnes in 2018. This growth was interrupted in 2022 when market volume fell to 18.6 million tonnes. In contrast, the market's value showed consistent annual increases, rising from $10.9 billion in 2018 to $15.0 billion in 2022, pointing to a shift toward higher-value products or increased unit prices.

By 2024, regulatory actions targeting coal tar sealants due to health concerns over polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons had accelerated a market transition toward petroleum asphalt-based alternatives. Major retailers discontinued coal tar products, and environmental compliance costs further pressured coal tar pitch producers, favoring bitumen innovations such as polymer-modified binders.

Production asphalt and bitumen articles in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two consecutive years of decline, asphalt and bitumen production in the United States rebounded in 2020. Output reached 19 908 thousand tons, marking a significant 10.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 18 089 thousand tons, while the steepest decline occurred in 2018 with a 6.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of asphalt and bitumen production in the United States rose for the second straight year in 2020. Production was valued at 12 219 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 5.8% improvement from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 10.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 11 017 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports asphalt and bitumen articles from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of asphalt and bitumen from the United States declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Export volumes fell to 520.6 thousand tons, representing a gradual 6.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 25.3%, with an average annual decline of 9.3%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 701.6 thousand tons, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2019 with a 20.9% drop. The largest increase was seen in 2018 with a modest 0.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada remained the dominant destination for US asphalt and bitumen exports by volume, accounting for 80.5% of total flows. Other markets collectively formed a long tail with much smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of asphalt and bitumen exports from the United States fell for the second year in a row in 2020. Export earnings totaled 319.5 million US dollars, showing a 9.9% decline compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 19.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 424.1 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 16.4% decrease. The most significant increase was in 2018 with a 6.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Canada was the leading buyer of US asphalt and bitumen by value, capturing 77.9% of total exports. The remaining export value was distributed across numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports asphalt and bitumen articles to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, asphalt and bitumen imports into the United States increased in 2020. Import volumes reached approximately 442.8 thousand tons, showing a limited 6.2% uptick from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports decreased by 2.4%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 417.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada clearly dominated asphalt and bitumen imports into the United States by volume, accounting for 83.4% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of asphalt and bitumen imports into the United States amounted to 315.0 million US dollars, representing a strong 16.1% advance over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 15.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 271.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of asphalt and bitumen imports by value was heavily concentrated on Canada, which accounted for 79.4% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020