Brake fluids and antifreezes market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for brake fluids and antifreezes expanded from 12 206 t in 2018 to 13 933 t in 2019, largely due to the launch of Galp's Coolmotion range, which introduced innovative, corrosion-inhibiting formulations for better engine protection across automotive and industrial fleets. Volume then contracted to 10 866 t in 2020, a period that saw manufacturers increase the availability of convenient ready-to-use antifreezes and emphasize recommended replacement intervals to sustain consumer interest.

Recovery commenced in 2021, supported by continued investment in technological innovation from companies like Galp, leading to more durable and high-performance fluids. The market gained further momentum in 2023 with the entry of premium products such as Motul's Inugel, which offered broad thermal protection from -35°C to +132°C without dilution, directly stimulating demand and helping lift volume to 11 744 t.

Throughout the period, environmental regulations governing substances like ethylene glycol and a sustained industry focus on eco-friendly, organic inhibitor formulations shaped product development. The growing adoption of technical specifications, such as G11 and G13, also guided consumer choice, reinforcing the market's orientation toward engine safety and longevity.

Production brake fluids and antifreezes in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's production of brake fluids and antifreezes was valued at 2 371 thousand US dollars, marking a 13.8% year-on-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production actually declined by 19.3%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 6.9%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2020 at 2 084 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 3 260 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2020, when production fell by 36.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Portugal produced 3 561 tonnes of brake fluids and antifreezes, showing a modest 2.3% rise compared to 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 24.3%, averaging an 8.9% annual decline. The lowest output was in 2020 at 3 481 tonnes, whereas 2019 saw the highest at 5 733 tonnes. The sharpest decline happened in 2020 with a 39.3% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, up by 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports brake fluids and antifreezes from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Exports of brake fluids and antifreezes from Portugal grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, shipments totaled 730 tonnes, representing a 36.5% year-on-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 26.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 473 tonnes, which also saw the biggest decline of 18.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Angola, Spain, and Algeria were the primary destinations for Portugal's exports of brake fluids and antifreezes in volume terms. Angola accounted for 32.1% of exports, Spain for 25.0%, and Algeria for 10.4%. Together, these three markets made up 67.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, exports of brake fluids and antifreezes from Portugal in value terms declined in 2021. That year, exports reached 1 401 thousand US dollars, down 2.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports still increased by 20.2%, with an average annual growth of 6.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 434 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Angola, Spain, and Mozambique were the key markets for Portugal's exports of brake fluids and antifreezes in value terms. Angola represented 37.7% of exports, Spain 23.4%, and Mozambique 13.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 74.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports brake fluids and antifreezes to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Imports of brake fluids and antifreezes into Portugal fell for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal imported about 7 340 tonnes, a slight decrease of 7.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports dropped by 9.1%, averaging a 3.1% annual decline. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 8 673 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 with an 8.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, up by 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Germany, and Belgium were the main sources for Portugal's imports of brake fluids and antifreezes in volume terms. Spain supplied 53.2% of imports, Germany 23.1%, and Belgium 11.9%. Together, these three countries contributed 88.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, imports of brake fluids and antifreezes into Portugal in value terms rebounded in 2021. That year, imports totaled 13 872 thousand US dollars, up 7.3% from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 6.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%. The lowest import value was in 2020 at 13 872 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Belgium formed the core group of partners for Portugal's imports of brake fluids and antifreezes in value terms. Spain accounted for 37.2% of imports, Germany for 25.6%, and Belgium for 19.4%. Combined, these three countries represented 82.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021