Oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosives market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives in Romania expanded significantly from 2 091 tons in 2018 to 8 571 tons in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by the start of local production in 2020, which added 5 699 tons to domestic supply and fundamentally altered the market structure. The market value rose even more sharply, from $7.4 million in 2018 to $12.0 million in 2021, indicating a shift towards higher-value additive formulations.

Underlying this expansion was increased demand from Romania's automotive and industrial sectors for high-performance lubricants. Regulatory pressures for better environmental standards and consumer preference for lubricants with longer service intervals pushed formulators towards multifunctional additives that combine oxidation inhibition, viscosity improvement, and corrosion protection. These factors helped sustain market growth as local production increased.

The market further evolved through investments in production capacity and the launch of advanced additive lines by global players. For instance, Chevron Oronite introduced new friction-modification technologies aimed at improving engine efficiency, while partnerships like BASF and Petronas Chemicals focused on securing key chemical components. These developments supported the availability of specialized additives needed for modern engines and industrial machinery, particularly those required for electric vehicles and equipment operating under high stress.

Production oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosives in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosives from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018, showing an 18-fold difference between these years. In 2020, shipments of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives from Romania to abroad totaled 165 t, marking a sharp increase of 61.3% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 341 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 70.0% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a 1 705.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Syria, and Algeria remained the three largest markets for exports in kind, collectively accounting for 85.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatile behavior during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.9 times. In 2020, Romania's exports of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives amounted to 339 K $ US, representing a 324.3% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 67.1% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria (48.2% of exports in value terms), Germany (10.4% of exports in value terms), and Algeria (10.3% of exports in value terms) continued to be the main buyers of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives from Romania, together forming 68.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosives to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Romania's imports of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives declined. In 2020, imports totaled 2 597 t, showing a gradual decline of 10.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 19.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 887 t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with an 18.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (43.3% of imports in kind), Austria (14.9% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (10.0% of imports in kind) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of imports in kind of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives to Romania, with a combined share of 68.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Romania's imports of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 7 798 K $ US, which is 7.1% lower compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 392 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 20.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (47.3% of imports in value terms), Austria (13.7% of imports in value terms), and Hungary (7.6% of imports in value terms) continued to lead as the main suppliers of oxidation inhibitors, viscosity improvers, and anti-corrosives to Romania, jointly accounting for 68.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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