Global Friction Modifiers Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Friction Modifiers Market Size

• The global friction modifiers market was valued at USD 1.20 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.52 billion by 2032
• During the forecast period of 2025 to 2032 the market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 9.70%, primarily driven by increasing demand across automotive, industrial, and manufacturing sectors
• This growth is fueled by factors such as the growing need for improved fuel efficiency in vehicles, stricter environmental regulations, and advancements in lubricant formulations

Friction Modifiers Market Analysis

• Friction modifiers are key additives used in lubricants to reduce friction between surfaces in motion, improving the efficiency and performance of engines and machinery. They are widely used in automotive, industrial, and manufacturing sectors for a range of applications such as engine oils, gear oils, and hydraulic fluids
• The demand for friction modifiers is primarily driven by the growing need for enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved performance of machinery and vehicles. This trend is further accelerated by stricter environmental regulations and advancements in lubricant formulations
• The North America region holds a significant share in the global friction modifiers market, driven by the region’s robust automotive industry, stringent environmental regulations, and high adoption of advanced lubrication technologies

• For instance, the U.S. automotive industry, one of the largest in the world, continues to demand high-performance lubricants with friction modifiers to meet fuel economy standards and reduce carbon emissions

• Globally, friction modifiers are among the most crucial additives in the lubricant industry, contributing to improved engine and machinery longevity, reduced wear, and optimized performance

Report Scope and Friction Modifiers Market Segmentation      

Friction Modifiers Market Trends

    “Growing Demand for High-Performance Lubricants and Engine Efficiency”

• A key trend in the global friction modifiers market is the increasing demand for high-performance lubricants that improve engine efficiency and reduce wear and tear
• These advanced additives are becoming integral to modern automotive lubricants as they reduce friction, enhance fuel efficiency, and prolong the lifespan of engine components

• For instance, friction modifiers are increasingly being incorporated into engine oils, transmission fluids, and industrial lubricants to meet stricter environmental regulations and improve fuel economy

• This trend is driving the adoption of friction modifiers across various sectors, particularly in automotive and industrial machinery, as manufacturers strive for improved performance and cost-efficiency

Friction Modifiers Market Dynamics

Driver

 “Increasing Demand for Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Regulations”

• The growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles and compliance with stricter environmental regulations are major drivers of the friction modifiers market
• With global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, friction modifiers play a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing the overall environmental impact of transportation and industrial sectors
• As automakers and industries seek to meet both performance standards and environmental guidelines, friction modifiers help reduce engine friction, lower fuel consumption, and contribute to sustainability goals
• Additionally, the push towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technologies is driving the adoption of advanced friction modifiers in lubricants and other components

For instance,

• In May 2023, the European Union's stricter CO2 emission regulations for new cars have prompted manufacturers to incorporate advanced friction modifiers into lubricants to meet fuel economy requirements
• In 2022, automakers in North America and Asia began incorporating friction modifiers to improve fuel efficiency in line with regional emission standards, creating significant growth opportunities for this market

• As the automotive and industrial sectors continue to prioritize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, the demand for friction modifiers is expected to grow significantly

Opportunity

“Integration of Advanced Technologies and Lubricant Performance Enhancements”

• The increasing integration of advanced technologies in the automotive, industrial, and oil & gas sectors presents significant opportunities for the friction modifiers market
• Friction modifiers are being developed to improve the performance of lubricants, offering reduced wear and friction while optimizing energy efficiency, which is crucial for both conventional and electric vehicles
• Innovations such as nanotechnology and synthetic-based friction modifiers are enabling enhanced durability, reduced friction, and better heat resistance, presenting opportunities in high-performance applications, including motorsports and aerospace industries

For instance,

• In April 2024, a global automotive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) began integrating advanced friction modifiers in its electric vehicle lubricants to improve motor efficiency and reduce energy losses
• In 2023, the adoption of friction modifiers in high-performance engine oils for heavy-duty vehicles helped improve fuel efficiency by 10%, addressing the growing demand for optimized lubricant formulations

• As these technologies continue to evolve, friction modifiers are poised to become essential components in achieving better efficiency, sustainability, and performance across various industries. This provides an emerging opportunity for market players to develop next-generation products

Restraint/Challenge

                                 “High Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Constraints”

• The high cost of raw materials used in the production of friction modifiers is a significant challenge for the market, particularly impacting the pricing and affordability of end products
• Key ingredients, such as synthetic oils, additives, and special resins, can be costly to source, especially as the demand for high-performance friction modifiers increases across industries like automotive, industrial, and manufacturing
• Additionally, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions further complicate the procurement of these raw materials, leading to delays and increasing production costs

For instance,

• In September 2023, a report by the American Lubricant Industry Association noted that friction modifier suppliers faced rising raw material costs due to global supply chain issues, which ultimately raised prices for lubricant manufacturers
• In 2022, manufacturers in the automotive sector saw an increase in friction modifier prices, which impacted their ability to maintain cost-effective product lines for mid-range vehicles

• As a result, these cost challenges can lead to pricing pressures for manufacturers, hindering market penetration in price-sensitive regions and slowing down the widespread adoption of advanced friction modifier solutions

Friction Modifiers Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, formulation, substrate, and application

Friction Modifiers Regional Analysis

“North America is the Dominant Region in the Friction Modifiers Market”

• North America leads the global friction modifiers market, primarily due to the presence of a well-established automotive and industrial manufacturing sector, which drives the demand for high-performance lubricants and additives
• The U.S. holds a significant share due to the increasing demand for friction modifiers in automotive applications, industrial machinery, and the growing focus on fuel efficiency and emission reduction technologies
• Strong regulatory frameworks, coupled with high investments in R&D from key industry players, are also supporting market growth in the region
• Additionally, the increasing adoption of advanced friction modifier formulations in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle systems is expected to further bolster the demand across the region

“Asia-Pacific is Projected to Register the Highest Growth Rate”

• The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth rate in the friction modifiers market, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding automotive production, and rising demand for high-efficiency lubricants
• Countries such as China, India, and Japan are emerging as key markets due to their large automotive manufacturing bases and increasing investments in energy-efficient technologies and manufacturing processes
• China, as the world's largest automotive market, is seeing a surge in demand for friction modifiers to meet stringent environmental regulations and the need for fuel-efficient vehicle components
• India’s expanding industrial sector, along with a growing number of automotive manufacturers, is also fueling the need for high-performance friction modifiers in manufacturing, automotive, and machinery sectors
• Japan, with its leading technological advancements and automotive industry, continues to be a crucial market for the adoption of premium friction modifier products designed for high-end vehicles and industrial applications

Friction Modifiers Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

The Major Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• BASF SE (Germany)
• Chevron Oronite (U.S.)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• Afton Chemical Corporation (U.S.)
• The Lubrizol Corporation (U.S.)
• Infineum International Limited (U.K.)
• Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Netherlands)
• ExxonMobil Chemical Company (U.S.)
• Clariant AG (Switzerland)
• LANXESS AG (Germany)
• Croda International Plc (U.K.)
• Afton Chemical (U.S.)
• SABIC (Saudi Arabia)
• TotalEnergies (France)
• Solvay (Belgium)
• Petro-Canada Lubricants (Canada)
• Kraton Polymers LLC (U.S.)
• Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Japan)
• Dow (U.S.)

Latest Developments in Global Friction Modifiers Market

• In January 2024, Shell U.K. Limited successfully acquired MIDEL and MIVOLT from M&I Materials Ltd. These product lines will now be integrated into Shell's Lubricants portfolio for production and distribution. This acquisition strategically enhances Shell's position in the Transformer Oils segment, which is widely utilized in offshore wind parks, utility companies, and power distribution networks. Shell's acquisition of MIDEL and MIVOLT strengthens its position in friction modifiers for energy and power distribution sectors
• In September 2023, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants advanced its initiative to incorporate recycled plastics (50% post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene) into its lubricant bottles. This follows the successful pilot project launched in 2021, known as Quartz Xtra bottles. The move is aimed at supporting a circular economy and reducing reliance on virgin plastic. TotalEnergies' use of recycled plastics in lubricant bottles aligns with sustainable practices in the friction modifiers market, supporting environmental goals and reducing reliance on virgin materials
• In April 2023, Afton Chemical introduced its "Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) Friction Modifier," designed to improve fuel efficiency while delivering superior wear protection for automotive engines. Afton Chemical's introduction of the DCPD Friction Modifier highlights innovation in the global friction modifiers market, focusing on enhancing fuel efficiency and wear protection for automotive engines
• In January 2021, Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Whitmore Manufacturing LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials, Inc., entered into a definitive agreement to establish a joint venture, Shell & Whitmore Reliability Solutions LLC. This collaboration aims to market, distribute, and sell lubricants, friction modifiers, greases, and other reliability products, along with related industrial services, targeting the North American rail and U.S. mining sectors. The Shell-Whitmore joint venture boosts their presence in the friction modifiers market, focusing on the North American rail and U.S. mining sectors
• In July 2019, Croda International Plc completed the acquisition of Rewitec GmbH, a leading manufacturer of friction and wear-reducing lubricant additives. This acquisition strengthens Croda's product portfolio and further expands its additives business. Croda's acquisition of Rewitec enhances its position in the friction modifiers market by expanding its portfolio of wear-reducing lubricant additives

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