Asphalt demand set to rise

US demand for asphalt is forecast to advance +1.7% to more than 38 million tonnes in 2011, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group. This is equivalent to 211 million barrels of primary asphalt, the vast majority of which is refinery asphalt.

In paving markets, demand will rebound from a low 2006 base, reflecting moderation in pricing from high 2006 levels. In roofing products, demand is expected to slow through 2011, primarily due to weak prospects in new single family home construction.