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Rising Prices in Laos Push More into Self-Employment, Work Abroad, World Bank Says

Lao Minister Proposes New Employment Law to Safeguard Workers' Rights and Boost Job Market
FILE: a Lao woman working in an office (photo: KPL)

World Bank Lao PDR – Inflation in Laos is eroding living standards and reshaping the job market, according to the latest World Bank Household Monitoring Survey.

To cope with rising prices, more people are working, but with wages not keeping up with inflation, workers are turning to self-employment and migration to help support their families.

The tenth round of the World Bank’s Rapid Monitoring Phone Surveys, conducted across Laos from January to February  2025, shows that employment  has steadily increased over the past four years , with the proportion of respondents reporting working in January 2025 at 97.1 percent, up from 94.4 percent in June 2024 and from 88.2 percent in May 2022.

An increasing number of women have entered the workforce, with the gender employment gap narrowing significantly from 8 percent in December 2022 to just 1.9 percent in January 2025.

At the same, high inflation, currency depreciation, and declining real wages have persuaded many workers to shift from service jobs to agriculture, from wage employment to self-employment, or to leave Laos.

Thanks to tight monetary policy and foreign exchange controls, inflation has slowed, falling from 26.2 percent in mid-2024 to 11.2 percent in March 2025.

The rate remains high though, and many households are in a weakened financial situation after several years of continued price increases.

“The transformation of the labor market in Laos is astonishingly quick,” said Alex Kremer, World Bank Country Manager for Laos. “Three years of high inflation and currency depreciation have reshaped work choices, eroded household living standards, accelerated migration, and undermined human capital development. The findings of this survey suggest that families have depleted their assets and may eventually run out of coping mechanisms.”

Wage growth is steady, standing at 13 percent in December 2024, while the decline in real wages slowed from 11.2 percent in 2023 to 3.9 percent in 2024. Profit growth among non-farm family businesses has also slowed, falling behind wage growth.

Average profits increased by 7.4 percent in the year to December 2024, below both the annual wage growth rate of 13 percent and the year-on-year inflation rate of 16.9 percent.

In rural areas, households continue to expand agricultural activities and are selling more produce as returns from farming remain higher than those from non-farm businesses.

Labor migration continues, with workers seeking better opportunities and higher wages abroad. A third of the number of migrants reported in January 2025 left Laos in 2024.

The money Lao workers earn abroad supports household incomes at home: 8.6 percent of surveyed households received remittances in 2024, at an average of LAK 22.9 million (USD 1,057) annually, equivalent to about 76 percent of the annual minimum wage.

To deal with high food prices, many households have resorted to using their savings, selling livestock or other assets, or borrowing. These strategies are depleting family assets, weakening future resilience and income-generating capacity.

A third of households report reducing their spending on health and education. As a result, children from poorer families are more likely to be out of school: 11.4 percent of school-age children from low-income households were not enrolled in January 2025, more than double the 4.5 percent rate among children from better-off families.

Vietnam Revives Nuclear Power Plans in New Energy Pact with Russia

Visiting Russian president Dmitry Medvedev (2nd L) and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Minh Triet (2nd R) clap as Sergey Kiriyenko (L), General Director of Russia's Rosatom group and Vietnamese Minister of Trade and Industry Vu Huy Hoang exchange signed document on building of one nuclear power plant in Vietnam on October 31, 2010 at the presidential palace in Hanoi. The state visit is aimed at boosting ties between two former communist allies. AFP PHOTO / POOL / HOANG DINH Nam (Photo by HOANG DINH NAM / POOL / AFP)

Vietnam is reigniting its nuclear energy ambitions through a new partnership with Russia, as both countries agreed to accelerate talks on building nuclear power facilities in the Southeast Asian nation.

In a joint statement released after Vietnamese President To Lam’s official visit to Moscow, the two governments committed to quickly finalizing and signing agreements that would see Russia assist in the development of nuclear plants in Vietnam, Reuters reported on 12 May.

These facilities will be built using advanced technologies and will adhere strictly to safety standards for nuclear and radiation protection.

The move signals Vietnam’s renewed commitment to diversifying its energy sources amid rising demand and rapid economic growth.

The country had previously shelved its nuclear power plans nearly ten years ago, citing financial and safety concerns. Now, with energy needs climbing, nuclear is back on the table as part of Vietnam’s long-term power strategy.

Government plans indicate that Vietnam aims to bring its first nuclear plants, capable of generating up to 6.4 gigawatts, online between 2030 and 2035. Officials have been in discussions with several nations, including Japan, South Korea, France, the US, and Russia, to explore opportunities for collaboration in the nuclear sector.

In addition to nuclear cooperation, the joint statement outlined plans to deepen bilateral ties in oil and gas. Russia will supply Vietnam with crude oil and liquefied natural gas, while both sides will support the expansion of their national energy companies across each other’s markets.

ISCA Welcomes Six New Council Members; Poised to Invest up to $7 Million in Enhancements to SCAQ Programme and International Growth and Expansion in 2025

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has announced the election of four newly-elected members, re-election of four existing members, and appointment of two new members to the ISCA Council, which is the governing body of ISCA to approve major policy decisions and oversees matters relating to the governance and membership of the Institute. The newly-elected, re-elected and newly-appointed Council Members will serve as ISCA Council Members for a term of two years until 2027.
The newly-elected Council Members are:
• Ms Ang Suat Ching, Chief Financial Officer, Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd
• Mr Chin Chee Choon, Audit and Assurance Partner, Head of Business Development and Marcomm, Forvis Mazars LLP Singapore
• Mr Lee Eng Kian, Managing Partner, PKF-CAP LLP
• Mr Gajendran S/O Vyapuri, Assurance Partner and Professional Practice Director, EY LLP
The re-elected Council Members are:
• Ms Lo Mun Wai, Audit Partner, KPMG LLP
• Ms Judy Ng, Group Financial Controller, DBS Bank
• Ms Cyndi Pei, Chief Financial Officer, Digital InfraCo Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel)
• Mr Song Yeow Chung, Chief Financial Officer, Old Chang Kee Ltd
In addition, two new members have been appointed to the Council: Ms Esther Wee, Accountant-General and Chief of Government Finance, Accountant-General’s Department (AGD), and Mr Tan Boon Gin, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Exchange Regulation, SGX Group. Ms Wee was appointed by the Ministry of Finance to represent the government on ISCA Council, and Mr Tan is the first non-accountant appointed by the ISCA Council for his extensive experience which enables him to support and advise ISCA on initiatives relating to corporate governance and bring an added lens in terms of regulatory oversight and public interest.
At the AGM, ISCA also announced several key highlights and updates of its performance in the past year:
• Since taking over the administration of the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) programme at the start of the year, ISCA achieved an increase of 47% in enrolments, including overseas SCAQ candidates.
• ISCA recorded a 98.3% membership retention rate in 2024, which is the highest in a decade.
• Ended the year strong with a $5.3M surplus and boosted its reserves to $113.8M (including fair value gains).
• Held membership fees unchanged for the 8th consecutive year, and no fee increase for this coming year as well.
• Expanded our reach globally and set up 12 overseas chapters in 9 countries, with 4 ISCA overseas offices.
In 2025, ISCA is poised to invest up to $7 million in enhancements to the SCAQ as well as international growth and expansion, as part of longer-term growth plans for the Institute. To support this endeavour, the Institute announced its plan to acquire a second property with a value around $55 million, for the purposes of investment and bolstering ISCA’s financial health.
ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck said, “At this exciting time of strong growth and great potential for ISCA, I’m pleased that our valued members have elected a capable and experienced Council to lead us forward. The Council members bring with them many years of experience from a wide range of industries and sectors — including the public sector, accounting firms, listed companies, and more. Their diverse backgrounds will bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to help advance both ISCA and the accounting profession. Together with the Institute’s senior management, we look forward to exploring new opportunities and making 2025 a year of meaningful progress, with new initiatives and key developments for ISCA. At the same time, we remain committed to supporting our members and delivering lasting value.”
For more information on the biographies of the newly-elected, re-elected and appointed Council Members, please refer to the Annex.

To access ISCA’s Annual Report 2024/2025, please click here.

Hashtag: #ISCA #DifferenceMakers #Accountancy #ISCACouncil

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 39,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.
Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.
ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.
ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.
For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

Laos, United States Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Lao Customs Headquarters, Training Facility

The Ground Breaking Ceremony on 14 May.

On 14 May, constructions of a new headquarters and training facility for the Lao Customs Department began in Vientiane.  

Vietnam National University to Cut Bachelor’s Degree Duration to Three Years

Vietnamese students. (Photo credit: Hưng Nguyễn)

Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi) aims to introduce a new undergraduate model, reducing the standard study duration from four to three years, starting in 2025. 

As part of this reform, VNU-Hanoi will pilot an internationally standardized three-year bachelor’s program, aiming to train 500 to 1,000 high-quality students annually. 

The university, one of Vietnam’s leading higher education institutions, announced the initiative on 13 May, following a comprehensive benchmarking process against global academic standards.

The restructured model introduces a three-semester academic year, replacing the current two-semester system, and offers students more flexibility to personalize their learning pathways. 

Outstanding students may complete their degrees in just 2.5 years and transition directly into doctoral programs, bypassing the traditional requirement for a master’s degree.

The program also emphasizes technology-enhanced learning, incorporating digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI). Instruction will be delivered through a variety of methods, including in-person classes, online learning, supervised self-study, group projects, and individualized study plans.

From the beginning of their university experience, students will be encouraged to join faculty-led research groups to develop research competencies and academic skills early on.

While political theory and general education courses will continue to be taught in Vietnamese, specialized courses and graduation theses will be conducted in English. This shift aligns with Vietnam’s national objective of establishing English as a second language in schools by 2035.

The initiative builds on VNU-Hanoi’s earlier effort, VNU 12+, a talent incubation program targeting high school students. Participants in this program will have a pathway into the new international bachelor’s track. 

With 12 member schools, VNU-Hanoi plans to enroll over 20,000 students this year, marking the largest intake of any higher education institution in Vietnam.

PSB Academy launches S$2.1m Beyond60 initiative to fully fund education scholarships for 30 recipients selected through the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, raiSE, United Women Singapore, and Care Corner Singapore

Joint efforts to champion greater inclusivity and access to education including for youths at risk, workforce pursuing social causes and women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) align with SG60’s theme of “Building Our Singapore Together”


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – PSB Academy (PSBA), Singapore’s leading private education institution (PEI), today announced its over S$2.1 million initiative as it spearheads advocacy for education to be inclusive, and to provide equal opportunities for all. This is in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday which focuses on shared values such as boldness, resilience, and openness to unite and progress against the odds over the past six decades. It embodies PSBA’s Beyond60 commitment, empowering individuals to look forward, craft their future, and truly “write your own next 60”.

Through the PSB Academy Beyond60 Scholarships initiative PSBA and its university partners will award full scholarships to up to 30 deserving recipients selected by the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, raiSE Ltd (raiSE), and United Women Singapore (UWS), and Care Corner Singapore. The scholarships will cover the course of their educational programme which may range from six months to four years, depending on the course selected.

The Scholarships for raiSE social enterprises aim to strategically strengthen capabilities of leaders within the sector, enabling a multiplier effect that deepens and scales the positive impact on the communities they empower. The partnership with UWS will provide young women from local polytechnics the opportunity to pursue higher education in STEM and/or other related disciplines. Similarly, the collaboration with Care Corner will support youths preparing for their N and O Levels, those in Nitec, and at-risk youths, helping them achieve their academic aspirations.

Scholarships will be awarded in multiple tranches for recipients to commence their courses from as early as second half of this year and as late as December 2026.

“PSB Academy, raiSE, UWS, and Care Corner are united by a single, common goal of providing equal opportunities for Singaporeans to progress. We will together identify well-deserving individuals to receive these scholarships, individuals who may otherwise not have the resources to pursue further education to develop their skills and capabilities. As Singapore continues to grow, we must ensure that prosperity extends to more members of the community. It is only when we progress together, that we truly succeed as a society,” said Derrick Chang, Chief Executive Officer, PSB Academy.

Recognising the significant growth in public awareness of social enterprises in Singapore (from 13% in 2010[1] to 72% by 2020[2]), raiSE aims to inspire a wider adoption of these impactful business models. Guided by the principle that good business delivers positive impact, empowering leaders is key. These scholarships strategically equip both new and experienced leaders with the essential expertise, strategic foresight, and valuable networks required for impactful development and sustainable expansion within Singapore’s social enterprise landscape.

raiSE firmly believes that social enterprises represent the future of business. Partnering with PSB Academy on these scholarships is a strategic investment in the human capital driving this change. By enhancing the capabilities of the qualifying Social Enterprise founders, we are directly fueling their ability to build sustainable and impactful businesses that address critical social needs in Singapore,” said Alfie Othman, Chief Executive Officer, raiSE.

“Empowering young women in underrepresented fields like STEM is key to building an inclusive, progressive society. While progress has been made in Singapore, there’s more to do. That’s why partnerships like ours with PSB Academy are so important – we’re closing the gap by equipping young women with the tools, access, and confidence to thrive,” said Tan Ching Ne, President of United Women Singapore.

“Some young people take longer to discover their aspirations or may not thrive within conventional academic routes. This collaboration offers them a crucial second chance — an alternate pathway to pursue higher education and build a better future for themselves. At Care Corner, we believe that with the right support, every youth has the potential to thrive. We hope this scholarship will open doors for those who simply need an opportunity to catch up, keep going, and dream big.” said Christian Chao, Chief Executive Officer, Care Corner Singapore.

In 2023, around 17,000 youth[3], aged 15 to 24, in Singapore were not in school, work or training.

Later this year, PSBA will organise a celebration to officially recognise and award scholarships to the recipients.

All certifications and Diplomas offered by PSBA, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees by the Academy’s university partners are from the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This includes Coventry University, University of Hertfordshire, Edinburgh Napier University, La Trobe University, the University of Newcastle Australia, Edith Cowan University, and Massey University.

Applications for scholarships through raiSE, UWS, and Care Corner are now open and will close 31 December 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact raiSE, UWS, and Care Corner directly to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process.

Building upon its legacy of 60 years of excellence, PSBA celebrated its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary last year by supporting over 2,000 adult learners in Singapore with more than S$3.5 million in Diamond Jubilee Education Grants for upskilling and reskilling.

In the coming months, PSBA will be hosting a series of public engagement activities to cultivate a more inclusive and accessible learning environment. These activations will invite all members of the public to participate in hands-on experiences across the various disciplines offered at the Academy. By fostering greater community involvement, the Academy aims to showcase the core values of accessibility and inclusivity that define it as Asia’s Future Academy. Further details regarding these activities will be provided in due course.

In April 2025, PSBA unveiled its third city campus in Singapore at The Cathay as well as inking an Memorandum of Understanding to offer industry-relevant programmes in collaboration with Coventry University and COSEM, a cooperative of Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to train more paramedicine professionals to address the nation’s ricing emergency call volumes and workforce shortages.


[1] Source: Public Perception Study on Social Enterprises in Singapore: SE-Public-Perception-Study-Full-Report.pdf

[2] Source: raiSE 2020 Public Perception Survey (Public Perception Survey)

[3] Ministry of Manpower’s 2024 Labour Force Survey: https://stats.mom.gov.sg/iMAS_PdfLibrary/mrsd_2024Labourforce.pdf

Hashtag: #PSBAcademy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PSB Academy

As one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions, proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, marking a heritage of six decades dedicated to shaping more than 200,000 learners.

Established in 1964 under Singapore’s Economic Development Board, and later the Productivity and Standards Board, PSB Academy was founded to enhance the knowledge and skills of Singapore’s workforce. Our approach to education focuses on what truly matters: performance in the New Economy. We are dedicated to providing quality education that nurtures future-ready graduates equipped with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in a digitally-driven world.

PSB Academy campuses include three dynamic locations, with the newly added Cathay Campus at the iconic building of The Cathay at the buzzing Orchard Road, alongside its City Campus comprising the Main Wing and STEM Wing at Marina Square Shopping Mall. The learning spaces in the heart of the city connect students globally through a collaborative learning and networking environment that enables them to be agile innovators and contributors to society.

With a robust network of industry partners, PSB Academy ensures our students are well-prepared for the workforce. Today, we host over 20,000 students from more than 50 nationalities, offering a comprehensive slate of certificate, diploma, degree, and short courses.

As we commemorate this milestone, we remain dedicated to uncovering the diamonds within each learner, continuing our legacy of excellence and innovation for many more years to come.

About raiSE

The Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, raiSE Ltd (“raiSE”) is the leading national body and ecosystem developer driving the growth and impact of Singapore’s vibrant Social Enterprise sector. Championing the belief that Social Enterprises represent the future of businesses, raiSE serves as a vital nexus, connecting diverse stakeholders across the ecosystem and empowering aspiring and established Social Enterprises by delivering a comprehensive suite of holistic support. This encompasses vital funding, tailored capacity building, expert mentorship, essential resources, and impactful networking platforms, ultimately fostering social innovation and accelerating the journey towards sustainable positive change in Singapore. For more information, please visit

About United Women Singapore

United Women Singapore (UWS) is a local non-profit organisation that advances women’s empowerment and gender equality, and they build a pipeline of women leaders and influencers in Singapore. The organisation works towards narrowing the gender equality gap through education and raising awareness and advocacy on issues such as anti-violence and women’s empowerment, with the support of key stakeholders including corporate partners, government agencies, academia, the diplomatic community, nonprofits and community groups and the wider community.

Find out more at

About Care Corner Singapore

Established in 1981, Care Corner is a non-profit organisation providing social and health care services to build hope and promote well-being for those in need. With more than 45 service points across Singapore, we help children with special learning needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds, youths at risk, troubled families, vulnerable seniors, and individuals with counselling and mental health needs. Woven into the fabric of our community, we aim to provide a holistic continuum of care to the marginalised across their life stages and major transitions.

Learn more at

Molex Collaborates with Prusa Research to Scale Rapid Growth Trajectory for 3D-Printing Pioneer

  • Robust yet simple connectivity solutions leveraged in widely popular 3D printers used by home hobbyists, students, small businesses and large industrial companies
  • More than one million components populated on Prusa printers last year, using up to 16 types of Molex CLIK-Mate connectors for flexible, flawless performance
  • More than 20 printer designs rely on Molex to ensure seamless connectivity while streamlining printer-kit assemblies, as well as machine modifications and upgrades

LISLE, IL – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, is growing right along with Prusa Research, a rising star in the fast-paced world of 3D printing with more than 1,000 employees on three continents supporting a diverse and devoted base of customers worldwide. The Prague-based company strives to offer seamless experiences and unmatched flexibility for a variety of printing needs.

Molex Collaborates with Prusa Research to Scale Rapid Growth Trajectory for 3D-Printing Pioneer

Guided by a steadfast commitment to community, sustainability, as well as open-source hardware and software principles, Prusa offers its printers fully assembled or as Do It Yourself (DIY) printer kits. Equally important is the ability for customers to unlock new capabilities over time through hardware and software modifications, add-ons and upgrades.

“Prusa Research needed connectivity systems with the right balance of functionality and simplicity without compromising quality,” said Brian Hauge, SVP and president, Consumer and Commercial Solutions, Molex. “With support from Arrow Electronics, we provide a full portfolio of connectors that are robust yet easy to use. Molex also stays in lockstep with Arrow and Prusa engineers to align emerging printer designs with new innovative connector solutions to ease new product introductions and upgrades.”

Rapid Growth Trajectory

Prusa’s unwavering customer focus, passion for community and strong technology partnerships are cornerstones for driving a sustained rate of incredible growth. The company processed more than 300,000 orders for printers, filaments, resins and accessories last year while opening a U.S. subsidiary called Printed Solid, in Newark, Del., to further expand global reach by manufacturing printers and filaments in the United States.

“In 2024, Prusa grew 25% year over year, and we are excited for this year, which will be even bigger,” said Josef Prusa, CEO of Prusa Research. “We populated over one million parts using Molex CLIK-Mate connectors last year and they all have performed very well. We now have more than 20 printer designs, and they all use Molex connectors. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with Arrow and Molex to drive our further expansion in Europe while building out manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.”

To drive sustained growth, Prusa deployed Molex CLIK-Mate wire-to-board connectors, which align well with the company’s high standards for performance and straightforward operation. Ideal for devices that require connectors to carry more signal lines in less space, these wire-to-board connectors feature a unique tuning-fork terminal design that provides low-insertion force while maintaining secure contacts.

Prusa particularly appreciates the audible “click” sound that offers immediate confirmation of secure contact, as well as easy automatic board placement and simplified set-up for at-home customers. Not only do CLIK-Mate connectors prevent DIY users from inserting them in the wrong orientation, but they also enable Prusa engineers to streamline production by speeding surface mount technology (SMT) line assembly.

Compact, high-performance Molex Micro-Fit Connectors, which blend power and flexibility without impacting space or reliability, also are deployed by Prusa. In addition, Molex ultra-microcoaxial RF connectors are used to link Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectors, along with other Molex solutions for supporting high-speed data and RF microwave technology.

Up to 16 types of CLIK-Mate connectors currently help Prusa streamline printer production. Molex connectors are featured across Prusa’s printer line, including the new CORE One printer, which hit the market this past January. Other connectivity solutions, such as Molex’s Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors, as well as custom connectivity solutions, are being explored to enhance support for existing and new printers.

Supporting Resources

Hashtag: #Molex

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Molex

Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more-connected place. With a presence in more than 38 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the consumer device, aerospace and defense, data center, cloud, telecommunications, transportation, industrial automation and healthcare industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit

Infinity Galaxy Analyzes Trump’s Tariff Earthquake In the Global Bitumen Market

Asia and Africa’s Winners and Losers


DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – A 24% crash in Brent crude prices, a 13% drop in Asian bitumen costs, and a 30% surge in Vietnam’s demand—since Donald Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs took effect on April 2, 2025, the global bitumen market has been thrust into unprecedented volatility. Infinity Galaxy, a UAE-based leader in bitumen market analysis and supply, provides critical insights into how these shifts are reshaping opportunities for suppliers and buyers across Asia and Africa.

Crude Collapse Reshapes Asia’s Bitumen Trade
Amid fears of a global recession, Brent crude oil prices dropped from around $79 to $60 per barrel from February to mid-April 2025, a decrease greater than 24%.

Simultaneously, the Singapore HSFO 180cst, the main index for Asian bitumen pricing, fell from $450/t to $390/t, down 13%. As a result, the bulk bitumen prices in Singapore dropped from around $450/t to below $400/t.

In South Korea, bitumen prices decreased from about $425/t to $395/t.

Southeast Asia experienced major changes. Vietnam boosted its bitumen consumption by up to 30% due to large-scale infrastructure and road projects. Bitumen consumption in Vietnam is expected to exceed 1.2 million tons in 2025.

In contrast, China and India saw weaker demand. In China, the yuan’s depreciation, construction slowdown, and the onset of a trade war with the US reduced domestic consumption. Also, reports mentioned China exporting bitumen to neighboring countries, further contributing to price declines across East Asia.

Tariffs Opened Africa’s Gates
The shutdown of South Africa’s “Natref refinery” brought domestic production to zero, making the country fully dependent on imports.

As a result, bitumen imports from the Middle East to South Africa surged by more than 25% during March and April 2025.

Europe’s Prices Light Dip Amid Global Shocks
Europe saw a milder decline in bitumen prices. Mediterranean bitumen prices fluctuated between $410/t and $450/t. European buyers experienced only minor changes, with most bulk deals closing at a $10 to $15 discount compared to prices before Trump’s tariff announcement.

Global Bitumen Market’s Shifts
Clear changes emerged in export routes. South Korea’s bitumen exports to Vietnam increased by about 20% in recent months, while Singapore’s market share in Vietnam declined from around 55% last year to below 45%.

On the demand side, African and Asian buyers benefited from increased supply options. Consequently, offered prices at some East African ports dropped by up to 10%, and payment terms became more favorable.

As these conditions persist, the global bitumen market is expected to undergo further volatility and adjustments throughout 2025.
Hashtag: #business #energy #commidity






The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Infinity Galaxy

Infinity Galaxy, headquartered in the UAE, specializes in bitumen market analysis, expert consultation, and comprehensive supply solutions. The company delivers precise, up-to-date analytics to facilitate informed purchasing decisions, timely actions, and maximized profits amid market fluctuations. For the latest pricing information, access the Bitumen Prices page at . Inquiries and personalized support are available via email at or by telephone at +971-50-980-4849.