Export and Import of Bitumen in Australia
Different bitumen grades and bitumen emulsions are produced and utilized in Australia according to national standards. There are specific technical properties for every grade, as explained below:
Standard Bitumen Grades in Australia
•C170, C320
These are the penetration grades of bitumen according to the Australian standard:
•C170: The 170 number indicates penetration or viscosity. It is softer than C320 and is mainly applied in surface layers of asphalt.
•C320: The 320 number indicates a harder bitumen with higher viscosity, for use in hot as well as cold climate zones.
The letter C stands for "Conventional," and the numbers represent hardness or viscosity.
Australian Bitumen Emulsion Grades
•CRS-1, K1-40, K1-60
These are emulsion types used for cold asphalt, surface treatment, patching, or repair operations:
•CRS-1 (Cationic Rapid Setting 1): A rapid-setting cationic emulsion, well-suited to patching, quick repairs, and water- or traffic-exposed situations.
•K1-40 / K1-60: "K1" is cationic emulsion. Numbers (40 and 60) indicate viscosity and bitumen content. They are suitable for thin surface dressings or protective coatings requiring a longer curing time than CRS-1.
Bitumen 60/70 is exported and imported through several major seaports of Australia. The seaports are key centers of petroleum and bitumen trade:
1.Port Botany (New South Wales, Sydney): Major container port for petroleum products and bitumen.
2.Port of Fremantle (Western Australia, Perth): Handles petroleum and bitumen cargo.
3.Port of Melbourne (Victoria): Largest container port in Australia.
4.Port of Brisbane (Queensland): Multipurpose port handling liquid and bulk commodities such as bitumen.
5.Port of Newcastle (New South Wales).
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Bitumen Supply in Australia
Exporting countries and their share:
In 2024–2025, the main bitumen sources to Australia are:
•Thailand: around 70% of Australia's bitumen supply
•Malaysia: 10%
•Singapore: 10%
•New Zealand: 5%
•USA, Taiwan, South Korea, and China make up the remainder.
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