Petroleum bitumen; obtained from bituminous minerals

HS code 271320 covers petroleum bitumen, a crucial material derived from bituminous minerals. Bitumen is a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It is an essential component in the production of asphalt and various construction materials, playing a vital role in the infrastructure and transportation sectors worldwide. This industry's significance extends beyond its immediate applications, as it supports the broader economy by enabling the development of critical infrastructure and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Petroleum bitumen is primarily obtained through the refining of crude oil. The process involves the separation of crude oil into various fractions, including bitumen, through distillation and other refining techniques. Bitumen is typically extracted from the heavier, more viscous fractions of crude oil, which are then further processed to meet the specific requirements for various applications.

The production of petroleum bitumen requires several key inputs, including crude oil, refining equipment, and energy sources to power the refining process. Specialized machinery and infrastructure, such as storage tanks and transportation networks, are also essential for the efficient handling and distribution of the final product.

The primary output of HS code 271320 is petroleum bitumen, which is widely used in the construction and paving industries. Bitumen is a crucial component in the production of asphalt, which is used for road surfacing, roofing, and other construction applications. Additionally, bitumen may be further processed or blended with other materials to create specialized products for various industries, such as 271500 Bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, on natural bitumen, on petroleum bitumen, on mineral tar or on mineral tar pitch, 271600 Electrical energy, and 680710 (Articles of asphalt or of similar material (e.g., petroleum bitumen or coal tar pitch)), among others.