Brake fluids and antifreezes market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for brake fluids and antifreezes reached 70 678 t in 2018, supported by the expansion of major players like LIQUI MOLY, which launched five new antifreeze types and new brake fluid formats to become a comprehensive automotive chemical supplier. Market volume stabilized at 69 856 t in 2019 before contracting sharply to 52 915 t in 2020. That year also saw the introduction of new, fully synthetic brake fluid packaging meeting high SAE and DOT specifications, reflecting product innovation even during the market downturn.

After 2020, imports into Spain grew steadily, reaching 25 593 t by 2024, while exports fell from 20 167 t in 2020 to 15 095 t in 2023, indicating a shift toward domestic supply. The 2022 update of ACEA standards for heavy-duty vehicle lubricants introduced new homologations affecting related fluid markets. By 2023, Spain had emerged as a leading European importer of these products, with import value hitting $6.91 million, underscoring its integration into international supply chains.

Production brake fluids and antifreezes in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of brake fluids and antifreezes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 53 799 thousand US dollars, marking a 9.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 24.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 8.9%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 75 069 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 21.1% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Production of brake fluids and antifreezes in Spain declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Spain produced 53 411 tonnes, representing a 20.4% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 26.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.9%. The peak production volume was in 2018 at 74 209 tonnes. The largest increase was also in 2018, with a 1.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports brake fluids and antifreezes from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Exports of brake fluids and antifreezes from Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 20 167 tonnes, showing a significant decrease of 15.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 20.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 26 141 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 3.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Algeria, Portugal, and France were the primary markets for Spain's brake fluids and antifreezes exports in volume terms. Algeria accounted for 35.6% of exports, Portugal for 14.0%, and France for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 59.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, exports of brake fluids and antifreezes from Spain declined. In 2020, Spain exported 23 070 thousand US dollars worth of these products, reflecting a sharp decrease of 42.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.7%. The peak export value was in 2019 at 40 289 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was also in 2019, with a 17.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The structure of Spain's brake fluids and antifreezes exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a diversified set of trading partners. Portugal accounted for 25.0% of export value, Algeria for 13.0%, and France for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented 49.1% of total flows, while the remaining 50.9% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports brake fluids and antifreezes to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, imports of brake fluids and antifreezes into Spain declined. In 2020, imports reached 19 670 tonnes, a reduction of 26.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6.9%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 2.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 26 746 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 22.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Belgium were the dominant sources for Spain's imports of brake fluids and antifreezes in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 87.1% of total import flows, with the remaining volume distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of increase, imports of brake fluids and antifreezes into Spain declined. In 2020, import value reached 32 658 thousand US dollars, which is 33.0% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 48 730 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was in 2018 with a 22.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the key partners for Spain's imports of brake fluids and antifreezes in value terms. Germany accounted for 51.8% of import value, Belgium for 25.3%, and France for 11.0%. Together, these three countries represented 88.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020