Lubricant Additives Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

The global lubricant additives market is expected to attain a valuation of USD 13.46 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 21.7 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.

The demand for lubricant additives is expected to witness robust growth due to the increasing demand from the automotive industry, particularly in engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids, and hydraulic fluids. Additionally, the growing marine and aviation transportation sectors, coupled with stricter emission controls and fuel economy standards, are further contributing to the market's expansion.

One of the primary catalysts for the global industry is the rising sales of automobiles, especially high-performance passenger cars with extended service intervals. The emergence of automotive aftermarket sectors in developing economies and the subsequent establishment of domestic blending facilities are anticipated to drive growth in the foreseeable future.

Lubricants play a vital role in the industrial sector by enabling equipment to operate efficiently and reliably.

Various types of lubricants, such as mineral and synthetic lubricants, greases, compressor oils, and cutting fluids, are used as additives across multiple industries, including automotive, oil & gas, textile, glass, power generation, paper and pulp, chemicals and petrochemicals, agriculture, manufacturing, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

The growth of these industries worldwide creates a substantial demand for both lubricants and lubricant additives. Notably, the textile finishing industries in the Asia Pacific region exhibit a significant demand for industrial lubricants. Consequently, the widespread application of lubricants in diverse industries and the rapid expansion of the industrial sector are key factors propelling the market for lubricant additives.

Report Attribute Details
Expected Market Value (2023) USD 13.46 billion
Anticipated Forecast Value (2033) USD 21.7 billion
Projected Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) CAGR 4.8%

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2018 to 2022 Lubricant Additives Demand Analysis vs. Forecast 2023 to 2033

The lubricant additives market was worth USD 11.1 billion in 2018. It accumulated a market value of USD 13 billion in 2022 while growing at a CAGR of 4% during the historical period.

Basic materials such as oils and greases can no longer meet today's demand for lubrication across the globe with various climatic conditions. As a result, additives are important parts of the lubricant industry.

The lifespan, thermal stability manufacturing, storage, performance, and lubricating ability of lubricant formulation are considerably improved by these effective additives. It is, therefore, feasible to develop highly efficient transmission fluids, metal working fluids, hydraulic oils, engine oils, chain oils, compressor oils, high-temperature lubricants, turbine oils, and greases by utilizing basic fluids to their maximum capacity.

The lubricant additives market is being driven by expansion in the automotive sector, technical advancements in modern engines, and nationwide attempts to reduce fuel consumption.

Additionally, this category of additives is utilized in industrial machines that are integral in food processing, power generation, and metalworking. The rising adoption of lubricant additives in the industrial sector will augment the growth in the market in the forthcoming years.

How is Increasing Adoption of Lubricant Additives in the Food Processing Sector Influencing Sales?

Expansion in the food processing sector is being driven by surging demand for processed food products and ready-to-eat meals. The consumption of healthful, natural, and easy ready-to-drink smoothies, juices, and yogurts has been on the rise in the beverage sector.

Food-grade lubricants are utilized in a variety of system elements across manufacturing and processing lines, such as gear oils, chain oils, compressor oils, hydraulic oils, and corrosion preventive oils. Lubricant additives such as antioxidants, anti-wear additives, thickeners, tackifiers, etc. are used in food processing. For both food safety and machinery health, food-grade lubricants are one of the key elements in food processing and handling.

Key players in the food lubricant additives market are investing heavily in research, development, and innovation activities to launch customized lubricant additives for better performance and to improve sales.

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Nikhil Kaitwade

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Country-wise Insights

What is the United States Lubricant Additives Market Outlook?

Increasing Demand for Engine Restorers and Lubricants in the United States may Augment Growth

The automobile sector in the United States of America is vital for economic growth, with significant links across the country's industrial and cultural fabric. In the United States, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have modified their manufacturing processes to prioritize high-margin and most-demanded models to retain profitability (e.g. trucks), which is driving the usage of high-performance lubricant additives.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, utility-scale electricity-producing facilities in the region generated roughly 4,116 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) (or about 4.12 trillion kWh) of energy in 2021. There is always a need for lubricant additives in power generation equipment, whether hydraulic or turbine lubricants for specific oils, coal-fired power plants, or greases for wind and hydropower plants.

The United States of America is expected to remain one of the leading markets for lubricant additives, with total sales reaching USD 4.5 billion by 2033. The demand for lubricant additives in the region is anticipated to rise with a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.

What is Driving the China Lubricant Additives Market?

Rising Adoption of Diesel Conditioners in China might Boost Sales

By both yearly manufacturing output and sales, China is the world's largest automobile market, with national production expected to go beyond 35 million vehicles by 2025.

Over 25 million automobiles were sold in 2020, according to figures revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Sales in the China lubricant additives market are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2023 and 2033.

China is one of the leading countries across the globe in the manufacturing sector, China is the world's largest user of metal processing lubricants, with an incredible yearly growth rate, which in turn is driving sales of lubricant additives.

Category-wise Insights

Which function of Lubricant Additives is Fuelling Sales?

Demand for Viscosity Index Improvers Expected to Remain High

Based on function, the viscosity index improvers segment is expected to account for 23.5% of the total market share in 2023. The demand of lubricant additives as viscosity index improvers is expected to rise with a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.

Lubricant additives suspended in oil are utilized to impart functions such as viscosity index improvers, detergents, dispersants, anti-wear additives, friction modifiers, and antioxidants, among others such as corrosion inhibitors and emulsifiers. These are being used across industries such as the automotive, marine, and metallurgy sectors.

Depending on the function class, the pace of increase varies substantially. An emphasis on engine cleanliness, fuel economy, and long-lasting engine lubricants, for example, has boosted the usage of dispersants, antioxidants, and friction modifiers.

As more multi-grade engine oils are utilized, the usage of VII (viscosity index improvers) is rising. The use of detergents and anti-wear chemicals, on the other hand, is prohibited due to concerns regarding compatibility with emission control systems.

Which is the Leading End Use of Lubricant Additives?

Increasing Sales of Gear Oil Treatment may Spur Demand for Lubricant Additives

By end-use industry, demand in the automotive and transportation segment is expected to increase at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. The production of automobiles, light, and heavy commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers is increasing, which is driving lubricant additives demand all over the globe.

In a car, lubricant additives are used to clean, cool, and protect metal parts against corrosion and rust. Engine oil is used in vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and performance, and gear oil is used in automotive gearboxes to protect gear components from intense mechanical pressure.

As a result of the fast expansion of the automotive industry and increasing vehicle production, demand for gear and engine oil will rise, as it has a wide range of applications in the automotive sector.

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Start-ups in Lubricant Additives Market

Start-ups have a crucial role in recognizing growth prospects and driving industry expansion. Their proficiency in transforming inputs into outputs and adapting to market uncertainties is valuable. In the lubricant additives market, several start-ups are engaged in manufacturing and providing related services.

  • Earth Lube specializes in eco-friendly fuel additives and develops plant-based chemicals for lubricants. They also provide chemicals for copper plating and bonding applications.
  • Milemaster Integrated specializes in providing nano-additives for engine oils, offering nanotechnology-based additives for lubricants, petrol, and diesel. Its synthetic fuel additives improve cetane and octane numbers, detergency concentrations, lubricity levels, anti-wear properties, and pressure properties of motor oil.
  • Sylvatex develops biomass-based nano additives for engine oil, utilizing a platform technology that creates a thermodynamically stable liquid crystal microemulsion.

Competitive Landscape

The market for lubricant additives is highly competitive, with numerous prominent industry players making substantial investments in increasing their manufacturing capabilities.

The key industry players are Afton Chemical Corporation, BASF SE, BRB International, Chevron Chemicals, Evonik, Lubrizol, Infineum International, Croda International PLC, Dover Chemical Corporation.

Some recent developments in lubricant additives market are:

  • In May 2022, BASF SE expanded its lubricant additives market by launching a new product and doubling its production capacity for Irganox.
  • In October 2022, BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture between BASF SE and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd., announced plans to double the annual production capacity of its 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid plant in Malaysia. This expansion will increase the joint venture's capacity to 60,000 metric tons by the fourth quarter of 2024.
  • In June 2021, Infineum expanded its single oil category II solutions for MAN B&W two-stroke engines.
  • In February 2021, Dover Chemical Corporation introduced DOVERLUBE 31700, a patented polymeric ester additive designed to enhance lubricity in the metalworking sector.

Report Scope

Report Attribute Details
Market Value in 2023 USD 13.46 billion
Market Value in 2033 USD 21.7 billion
Growth Rate CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2033
Base Year for Estimation 2022
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered

Function Type, Lubricant Type, End Use Industry, Region

Regions Covered

North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; Middle East and Africa

Key Countries Profiled United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, India, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, GCC countries, South Africa, Israel
Key Companies Profiled

Afton Chemical Corporation; BASF SE; BRB International; Chevron Chemicals; Evonik; Lubrizol; Infineum International; Croda International PLC; Dover Chemical Corporation

Customization & Pricing Available Upon Request

Key Segments Profiled in the Lubricant Additives Market Industry Survey

By Function Type:

  • Dispersants
  • Viscosity Index Improvers
  • Detergents
  • Antioxidants
  • Anti-wear Additives
  • Friction Modifiers
  • Other Functions

By Lubricant Type:

  • Automotive
  • Metal Working Fluids
  • Industrial Engine Oil
  • General Industrial Oil
  • Grease

By End Use Industry:

  • Automotive & Transportation
  • Food Processing
  • Metal Working
  • Power Generation
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • South Asia and Pacific
  • East Asia
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Lubricant Additives Market?

The market is valued at USD 21.7 billion in 2023.

What is the Growth Forecast for the Lubricant Additives Market?

The market is likely to secure a 4.8% CAGR through 2033.

Why are Lubricant Additives Growing?

Increasing sales of automobiles drive the market forward.

What was the Historical CAGR from 2018 to 2022?

The market expanded at a CAGR of 4% from 2018 to 2022.

Which Function Type is Forecast to Grow Significantly?

Viscosity index improvers are predicted to expand at a CAGR of 5.8%.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Function Type
		5.1. Dispersants
		5.2. Viscosity Index Improvers
		5.3. Detergents
		5.4. Antioxidants
		5.5. Anti-wear Additives
		5.6. Friction Modifiers
		5.7. Other Functions
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Lubricant Type
		6.1. Automotive
		6.2. Metal Working Fluids
		6.3. Industrial Engine Oil
		6.4. General Industrial Oil
		6.5. Grease
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-Use Industry
		7.1. Automotive & Transportation
		7.2. Food Processing
		7.3. Metal Working
		7.4. Power Generation
		7.5. Others
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Western Europe
		8.4. Eastern Europe
		8.5. South Asia and Pacific
		8.6. East Asia
		8.7. Middle East and Africa
	9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. Key Countries Market Analysis
	17. Market Structure Analysis
	18. Competition Analysis
		18.1. Afton Chemical Corporation
		18.2. BASF SE
		18.3. BRB International
		18.4. Chevron Chemicals
		18.5. Evonik
		18.6. Lubrizol
		18.7. Infineum International
		18.8. Croda International PLC
		18.9. Dover Chemical Corporation
		18.10. Chemtura Corporation
	19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	20. Research Methodology
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