Lubricating oil additives market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the lubricating oil additives market in Germany experienced notable shifts. In 2018, the market was supported by federal funding for research into sustainable additives from renewable resources, laying groundwork for future innovations. The following year, market volume declined to 176.3 thousand metric tons, coinciding with an industry trend towards environmentally friendly lubricants and heightened technical requirements that increased manufacturing complexity. However, in 2020, demand rebounded strongly to 210.3 thousand metric tons, driven by stricter environmental regulations and the growing need for energy-efficient vehicles, which spurred development and adoption of advanced additives.

The market continued to expand in 2021, reaching 219.4 thousand metric tons, fueled by industrial expansion and ongoing regulatory pressures. This growth was interrupted in 2022 when the market volume fell to 199.8 thousand metric tons. The decline was partly attributed to the transition toward electric vehicles, which created a temporary dip in demand for traditional additives as the industry adjusted to new formulation requirements.

By 2024, the market recovered to 209.3 thousand metric tons. This resurgence was propelled by stringent new regulatory frameworks, including the EU's CLP Regulation and Germany's Transformation Report on a pollutant-free environment, which mandated changes in additive composition and labeling. Concurrently, leading companies like Lubrizol, BASF, and Infineum introduced novel bio-based and hybrid-vehicle-specific additives, catering to increased demand for anti-wear and antioxidant products while complying with sustainability directives.

Production lubricating oil additives in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's production of lubricating oil additives was valued at 429.6 million US dollars, representing a significant 21.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Germany produced 94 973 tonnes of lubricating oil additives, marking a strong 17.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 18.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The most significant drop was recorded in 2019, with an 8.5% decrease.

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

Exports lubricating oil additives from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany exported 70.4 thousand tonnes of lubricating oil additives, a 14.9% reduction compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.4%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 4.0%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 82.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.1% during this period.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Italy, and Belgium were among the largest buyers of lubricating oil additives from Germany, accounting for 12.2%, 10.1%, and 8.7% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was just 30.9% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of lubricating oil additives declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 317.4 million US dollars, a 2.3% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 343.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.4% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country composition of exports in value terms was dispersed. France, Russia, and China accounted for 11.3%, 7.9%, and 7.2% of exports in value terms, respectively, together forming just 26.4% of total flows. The remaining 73.6% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports lubricating oil additives to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year contraction, Germany's imports of lubricating oil additives increased in 2020, reaching 185.7 thousand tonnes, a gradual 4.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 177.8 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 4.6% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Italy, and Belgium made the biggest contribution to Germany's imports in kind, accounting for 36.0%, 27.0%, and 13.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 76.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany imported 703.1 million US dollars worth of lubricating oil additives, a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 686.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.6%. The maximum value was in 2018 at 759.6 million US dollars, when the largest increase of 2.9% occurred.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Belgium led as the top suppliers of lubricating oil additives to Germany in value terms, accounting for 39.0%, 25.6%, and 12.4% of imports, respectively. Their combined share reached 77.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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