In this episode, our market experts examine how shifting trade flows, growing shipping uncertainty and evolving supply dynamics are reshaping the global bitumen landscape in 2026. Importers across Asia are navigating longer voyage times, tighter vessel availability and escalating freight costs, all of which are creating greater unpredictability in securing prompt cargoes. The discussion also delves into Asia‑Pacific’s rapidly changing supply picture, driven in part by a sharp rise in Chinese exports. Competitive pricing from China is increasingly redefining traditional trade relationships across Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

The episode further explores how infrastructure spending trends are diverging across major regional markets. China faces slowing growth, while India, Southeast Asia and Australia continue to benefit from stronger project pipelines. These contrasting demand trajectories highlight how broader economic conditions, government investment and market maturity are influencing consumption patterns. Collectively, these factors illustrate a bitumen market in transition, shaped by new trade routes, shifting competitiveness and evolving regional demand.

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of what’s driving China’s green ammonia production expansion, the Chinese projects leading this growth, where China could export green ammonia to, planned expansion of Chinese ports and tank capacity into 2027, how green ammonia could be priced and the potential impact of premiums and CBAM.

Join Huijun Yao, Editor – Fertilizers and Dinise Chng, Senior Reporter – Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• What’s driving China’s surge in green ammonia production in 2026?
• Which major Chinese projects will lead this production growth?
• What renewable energy sources will power these projects?
• Will China export green ammonia, and which sectors are the likely buyers?
• How might China’s production, port capacity and storage expand by 2027?
• How could Chinese green ammonia be priced relative to conventional ammonia?
• How could green ammonia premiums and CBAM influence global demand?

Related links

• Argus Ammonia price reporting service | More info | Request trial
• More information: Urea short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights
• Fertilizer Matters podcast series

In this episode, Vulcan Energy CEO Cris Moreno joins Argus reporters Chris Welch and Avinash Govind to discuss the company’s latest progress at its Lionheart project in southwest Germany, following the start of new geothermal drilling activity to support Phase One development in Landau.

Key topics include:

• Scaling from pilots to full scale DLE and electrolysis
• Drilling outcomes at LSC 1A and 1B, and potential partnerships with oil majors
• Vulcan’s exposure to German and EU policy
• Phase Two and Three growth plans across the Upper Rhine Valley
• Updated offtake timelines and qualification pathways