
Global Lubricants Demand
Moving parts need lubricant to prevent friction-related damage, to disperse heat, to maintain structural integrity and ensure a long use life. From automotive engines to boat motors, airplane engines to generators, lubricants are in use all around us, all the time. Taking a look at the global demand for lubricants, the various types in use, and the forecast for the future can be illuminating.
Who Uses Lubricants the Most?
According to Reuters, the Asia-Pacific region is the largest global consumer of lubricants, with a market share of 45%. Note that the industry also expects the Asia-Pacific region to lead the way in terms of future growth, as well, as it continues to be the world’s manufacturing base and following consumer trends in nations like China, where personal automobile purchases continue to increase.

What Industry Dominates Lubricants Consumption?

Other Industries and Their Demand for Lubricants
While the automotive industry is the primary source of demand for lubricants, there are others, as mentioned above. Each of these varies in terms of lubricant demand, but include:
- Food Processing
- Metal Working
- Textiles
- Construction
- Hydraulic
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Energy Production

How To Choose The Most Suitable Hydraulic Lubricants?

LubricantsType Breakdown
What lubricants currently make up the global market? It goes much deeper than motor oil. In 2017, Fuchs noted the following breakdown for lubricant types within the market:
-
- Automotive oils – 57%
- Industrial oils – 26%
- MWF/CP – 6%
- Process oils – 8%
- Greases – 3%
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Energy Production
What about the Future for Lubricants?
While growth predictions vary and are affected by things like socioeconomic turmoil, war, oil exploration, and even global sentiment involving fossil fuels, the future for lubricants looks bright indeed. In mid-2019, a report was produced that indicated the global lubricants market size was projected to reach $166 billion (US) by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.75 within that time.
A press release for the report noted many reasons for this expected growth, including growing key application areas for lubricants, beyond the automotive segment, including wire rope and bearing production, energy production, infrastructure development, and more. In addition, the report noted, “Extensive inland shipping network of Europe and further development if inland waterways and their growing importance for trade and passenger travel is expected to drive demand for marine lubricants.”
Conclusion
Ultimately, the lubricant market is massive, and it is only going to grow larger, driven by trends in China and India, the wider Asia-Pacific region, followed by the United States and Europe.
Source:
- https://www.reuters.com/brandfeatures/venture-capital/article?id=27544
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/lubricants-market
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/411616/lubricants-demand-worldwide/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-global-lubricants-market-size-is-projected-to-reach-usd-166-billion-by-2025-300869787.html
- https://www.fuchs.com/fileadmin/Home/Praesentation/2018/180618_FCMD_CTO.pdf