Global Viscosity Index Improvers Market Overview
The Global Viscosity Index Improvers Market was valued at approximately USD XXXX units in 2025 and is projected to reach USD XXXX units by 2036, expanding at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2026–2036. Viscosity index improvers are polymeric lubricant additives that enable lubricants to maintain optimal viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring engine protection, fuel efficiency, and mechanical durability.
VI improvers are essential components in multigrade engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils, and industrial lubricants. Market growth is driven by increasing vehicle parc, tightening fuel-efficiency and emission regulations, rising demand for high-performance lubricants, and expansion of industrial machinery and marine fleets. Technological advancements in shear-stable, fuel-efficient, and long-drain additive chemistries are further strengthening market demand.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Viscosity Index Improvers Market
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline in lubricant consumption during 2020 due to reduced automotive usage, industrial slowdowns, and marine activity disruptions. However, recovery was supported by the resumption of transportation, manufacturing, and logistics, along with rising demand for high-performance and extended-drain lubricants. Post-pandemic, the market has stabilized, with long-term growth aligned to engine efficiency and durability requirements.
Market Segmentation Analysis
By Performance Grade
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Low Shear Stability VI Improvers
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Medium Shear Stability VI Improvers
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High Shear Stability VI Improvers
High shear-stable VI improvers dominate modern formulations due to extended oil drain intervals and compatibility with downsized, high-output engines.
By Chemistry Type
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Olefin Copolymers (OCP)
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Polymethacrylates (PMA)
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Hydrogenated Styrene-Diene (HSD) Polymers
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Multifunctional VI Improvers
OCPs lead by volume due to cost efficiency, while PMAs and multifunctional VI improvers are preferred in premium and synthetic lubricants.
By Application
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Passenger Cars
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Commercial Vehicles
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Marine & Ship Engines
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Industrial Machinery & Equipment
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Off-Highway & Construction Equipment
Automotive applications account for the largest share, supported by global vehicle production and lubricant replacement demand.
By Lubricant Type
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Engine Oils
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Transmission & Gear Oils
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Hydraulic Fluids
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Industrial Lubricants
Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing regional market, driven by rapid motorization, industrial expansion, and increasing lubricant demand in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
North America
North America shows steady growth supported by high penetration of synthetic and premium lubricants, along with strict fuel-economy standards.
Europe
Europe demonstrates consistent demand driven by advanced automotive technologies, emission regulations, and strong adoption of high-performance lubricant formulations.
South America
Moderate growth is supported by vehicle fleet expansion and industrial machinery usage.
Middle East & Africa
Growth is driven by marine transport, oil & gas equipment, and industrial operations, particularly in the Gulf region.
Key Market Players
Major companies operating in the global Viscosity Index Improvers market include:
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Lubrizol
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Infineum
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Afton Chemical
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Chevron Oronite
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BASF
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Evonik Industries
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Arkema
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Croda International
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Lanxess
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Dow
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
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Threat of New Entrants: Low to Moderate – High R&D and OEM qualification barriers
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Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate – Dependence on petrochemical feedstocks
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Bargaining Power of Buyers: High – Major lubricant blenders exert pricing pressure
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Threat of Substitutes: Low – VI improvers are critical for multigrade lubricants
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Competitive Rivalry: High – Performance, shear stability, and fuel-efficiency differentiation
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
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Essential for multigrade lubricant performance
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Strong demand from automotive and industrial sectors
Weaknesses
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Dependence on crude-oil-derived feedstocks
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Sensitivity to raw material price fluctuations
Opportunities
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Growth of synthetic and EV-compatible lubricants
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Development of multifunctional and fuel-efficient additives
Threats
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Extended oil drain intervals reducing volume growth
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Regulatory pressure on certain polymer chemistries
Trend Analysis
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Rising demand for high shear-stable and multifunctional VI improvers
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Shift toward synthetic and low-viscosity engine oils
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Development of fuel-economy-enhancing additive systems
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Increased focus on long-drain and high-temperature stability
Market Drivers & Challenges
Key Drivers
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Growth in global vehicle and machinery fleets
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Stricter fuel-efficiency and emission standards
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Increasing adoption of premium lubricants
Key Challenges
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Raw material price volatility
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Balancing viscosity retention with fuel economy
Value Chain Analysis
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Petrochemical Feedstock Supply
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Polymer Synthesis
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Additive Formulation & Blending
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Lubricant Manufacturing
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Distribution & End-Use Consumption
Quick Recommendations for Stakeholders
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Invest in high-shear-stable and multifunctional VI improvers
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Focus on synthetic and low-viscosity lubricant formulations
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Expand presence in Asia-Pacific high-growth markets
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Strengthen OEM and lubricant blender collaborations
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Prioritize fuel-efficiency and emission-compliant solutions
1. Market Overview of Viscosity Index Improvers
1.1 Viscosity Index Improvers Market Overview
1.1.1 Viscosity Index Improvers Product Scope
1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook
1.2 Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Regions:
1.3 Viscosity Index Improvers Historic Market Size by Regions
1.4 Viscosity Index Improvers Forecasted Market Size by Regions
1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth
1.5.1 North America
1.5.2 East Asia
1.5.3 Europe
1.5.4 South Asia
1.5.5 Southeast Asia
1.5.6 Middle East
1.5.7 Africa
1.5.8 Oceania
1.5.9 South America
1.5.10 Rest of the World
1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth
1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Projections
1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices
1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
2. Covid-19 Impact Viscosity Index Improvers Sales Market by Type
2.1 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Historic Market Size by Type
2.2 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Forecasted Market Size by Type
2.3 Low
2.4 Medium
2.5 High
3. Covid-19 Impact Viscosity Index Improvers Sales Market by Application
3.1 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Historic Market Size by Application
3.2 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Forecasted Market Size by Application
3.3 Car
3.4 Ship
3.5 Machinery And Equipment
4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers
4.1 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers
4.2 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers
4.3 Global Viscosity Index Improvers Average Price by Manufacturers
5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in Viscosity Index Improvers Business
5.1 Henkel
5.1.1 Henkel Company Profile
5.1.2 Henkel Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.1.3 Henkel Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.2 KGaA
5.2.1 KGaA Company Profile
5.2.2 KGaA Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.2.3 KGaA Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.3 Arkema Group
5.3.1 Arkema Group Company Profile
5.3.2 Arkema Group Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.3.3 Arkema Group Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.4 DowDupont
5.4.1 DowDupont Company Profile
5.4.2 DowDupont Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.4.3 DowDupont Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.5 3M Company
5.5.1 3M Company Company Profile
5.5.2 3M Company Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.5.3 3M Company Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.6 H.B. Fuller
5.6.1 H.B. Fuller Company Profile
5.6.2 H.B. Fuller Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.6.3 H.B. Fuller Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.7 Nelson Fastener Systems
5.7.1 Nelson Fastener Systems Company Profile
5.7.2 Nelson Fastener Systems Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.7.3 Nelson Fastener Systems Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.8 Agrotek Technology & Medias
5.8.1 Agrotek Technology & Medias Company Profile
5.8.2 Agrotek Technology & Medias Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.8.3 Agrotek Technology & Medias Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.9 Blasch Precision Ceramics
5.9.1 Blasch Precision Ceramics Company Profile
5.9.2 Blasch Precision Ceramics Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.9.3 Blasch Precision Ceramics Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.10 Cemline Corporation
5.10.1 Cemline Corporation Company Profile
5.10.2 Cemline Corporation Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.10.3 Cemline Corporation Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.11 FELDCO International
5.11.1 FELDCO International Company Profile
5.11.2 FELDCO International Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.11.3 FELDCO International Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.12 Gouda Refractories BV
5.12.1 Gouda Refractories BV Company Profile
5.12.2 Gouda Refractories BV Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.12.3 Gouda Refractories BV Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.13 LSP Industrial Ceramics
5.13.1 LSP Industrial Ceramics Company Profile
5.13.2 LSP Industrial Ceramics Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.13.3 LSP Industrial Ceramics Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.14 Zampell Refractories
5.14.1 Zampell Refractories Company Profile
5.14.2 Zampell Refractories Viscosity Index Improvers Product Specification
5.14.3 Zampell Refractories Viscosity Index Improvers Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
6. North America
6.1 North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
6.2 North America Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
6.3 North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
6.4 North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
7. East Asia
7.1 East Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
7.2 East Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
7.3 East Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
7.4 East Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
8. Europe
8.1 Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
8.2 Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
8.3 Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
8.4 Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
9. South Asia
9.1 South Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
9.2 South Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
9.3 South Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
9.4 South Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
10. Southeast Asia
10.1 Southeast Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
10.2 Southeast Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
10.3 Southeast Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
10.4 Southeast Asia Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
11. Middle East
11.1 Middle East Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
11.2 Middle East Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
11.3 Middle East Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
11.4 Middle East Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
12. Africa
12.1 Africa Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
12.2 Africa Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
12.3 Africa Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
12.4 Africa Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
13. Oceania
13.1 Oceania Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
13.2 Oceania Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
13.3 Oceania Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
13.4 Oceania Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
14. South America
14.1 South America Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
14.2 South America Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
14.3 South America Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
14.4 South America Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
15. Rest of the World
15.1 Rest of the World Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size
15.2 Rest of the World Viscosity Index Improvers Key Players in North America
15.3 Rest of the World Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Type
15.4 Rest of the World Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size by Application
16 Viscosity Index Improvers Market Dynamics
16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends
16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers
16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges
16.4 Porter
Market Segmentation Analysis
By Performance Grade
-
Low Shear Stability VI Improvers
-
Medium Shear Stability VI Improvers
-
High Shear Stability VI Improvers
High shear-stable VI improvers dominate modern formulations due to extended oil drain intervals and compatibility with downsized, high-output engines.
By Chemistry Type
-
Olefin Copolymers (OCP)
-
Polymethacrylates (PMA)
-
Hydrogenated Styrene-Diene (HSD) Polymers
-
Multifunctional VI Improvers
OCPs lead by volume due to cost efficiency, while PMAs and multifunctional VI improvers are preferred in premium and synthetic lubricants.
By Application
-
Passenger Cars
-
Commercial Vehicles
-
Marine & Ship Engines
-
Industrial Machinery & Equipment
-
Off-Highway & Construction Equipment
Automotive applications account for the largest share, supported by global vehicle production and lubricant replacement demand.
By Lubricant Type
-
Engine Oils
-
Transmission & Gear Oils
-
Hydraulic Fluids
-
Industrial Lubricants
