Lubricating oil additives market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish lubricating oil additives market was shaped from 2018 by environmental regulations like Order APM/205/2018, which set rules for used oil treatment, encouraging additives that improve oil performance and recyclability. Adaptation to Euro 6 engine standards in 2019 increased demand for low SAPS additives to protect particulate filters, supporting import volumes. The introduction of new ACEA standards for heavy-duty lubricants in 2020 further tightened quality requirements, influencing additive formulations.

European sustainability regulations and a shift toward synthetic lubricants underpinned the market volume of 54 154 t in 2021. Updated ACEA norms in 2022 drove innovation in high-performance antioxidants and anti-wear additives, elevating the market value to 232.0 million $ US despite a volume dip to 48 339 t. Growth resumed in 2023, with volume reaching 52 356 t and value 244.8 million $ US, fueled by rising demand for synthetic lubricants and smart additive technologies for Industry 4.0. In 2024, market volume fell to 33 447 t while value remained stable at 239.2 million $ US, reflecting an ongoing transition to more concentrated or advanced additives.

Production lubricating oil additives in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of lubricating oil additives in Spain.

Exports lubricating oil additives from Spain

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From 2019 to 2020, exports fluctuated significantly, with a 2.6-fold difference between the peak and trough. In 2019, Spain's lubricating oil additives exports reached their maximum at 24 633 t. However, in 2020, they dropped sharply to 9 577 t, representing a 61.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 126.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands remained the primary buyers of Spain's lubricating oil additives in volume terms. Greece accounted for 43.8% of exports, Italy for 9.4%, and the Netherlands for 8.1%. Together, these three countries constituted 61.4% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

Spain's lubricating oil additives export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 23.4 M $ US, which is 19.4% lower than in 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 35.6 M $ US, with the largest annual increase that year at 57.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3.2%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the distribution of export values by country was relatively dispersed. Greece accounted for 22.4% of exports in value terms, Italy for 12.0%, and the Netherlands for 10.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 45.3% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports lubricating oil additives to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of foreign lubricating oil additives in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 57 258 t, marking a significant decrease of 19.5% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 71 118 t. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 12.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 6.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and the Netherlands formed the main cluster of suppliers for Spain's lubricating oil additives in volume terms. France accounted for 48.9% of imports, Italy for 25.1%, and the Netherlands for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 82.6% of total imports in kind.

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, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, Spain's imports of foreign lubricating oil additives in value terms decreased. In 2020, imports stood at 198.3 M $ US, reflecting a solid reduction of 16.3% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 237.0 M $ US. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 13.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 4.7%, corresponding to an annualized decrease of 1.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Italy, and Germany consistently held leading positions in Spain's import structure for lubricating oil additives in value terms. France accounted for 48.7% of imports, Italy for 28.1%, and Germany for 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.5% 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