Lubricant Viscosity Index Improvers Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Lubricant Viscosity Index Improvers Market size was estimated at USD 4.01 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 4.19 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 5.18% to reach USD 5.72 billion by 2032.

Viscosity index improvers (VIIs) are specialized polymer additives that play a critical role in ensuring lubricants maintain optimal viscosity across a broad temperature spectrum. By mitigating the rate of viscosity change due to temperature fluctuations, VIIs preserve film strength, reduce wear, and enhance energy efficiency in mechanical systems.

Over the past decade, the evolution of VI improvers has transcended traditional performance metrics, driven by escalating environmental regulations and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. Manufacturers are now focusing on developing bio-based alternatives that align with global sustainability goals, while simultaneously enhancing shear stability and thermal resilience. Rising electric vehicle adoption and expanding potential markets in emerging economies have been identified as primary growth drivers, underscoring the pivotal role of VI improvers in next-generation lubrication solutions.

Driven by stricter environmental mandates and corporate commitments to net-zero emissions, bio-based VI improvers derived from renewable feedstocks are gaining traction as preferred options for formulators seeking to minimize ecological footprints without compromising performance. These renewable polymer solutions not only satisfy regulatory compliance but also align with consumer demand for greener lubricants.

Parallel to the sustainability revolution, advancements in polymer chemistry have yielded configuration-optimized comb polymers and block copolymers that deliver exceptional shear stability, reducing degradation under high mechanical stress and extending additive service life. This progress is supported by integrated anti-wear functionalities that simultaneously enhance viscosity index and protect critical engine components.

In addition, the integration of smart technologies, such as real-time monitoring sensors and adaptive lubricant formulations, is beginning to transform how VI improver performance is measured and optimized in service, enabling predictive maintenance and dynamic viscosity adjustments. Industry players are also focusing on high-performance applications in extreme environments, responding to demands from advanced automotive and heavy industrial sectors.

In January 2025, the United States implemented increased Section 301 tariffs on a range of chemical imports from China, including key polymer feedstocks used in VI improver production, raising duties from existing rates to as high as 25 percent on covered HTS codes. This action has led to immediate cost pressures for importers sourcing acrylic polymers, olefin copolymers, and other additives from Chinese suppliers.

Furthermore, additional Section 301 adjustments scheduled for January 2026 encompass heightened duties on semiconductors and critical minerals, indirectly impacting advanced additive manufacturing equipment and sensor technologies integral to VI improver R&D and production processes. These layered tariff measures have driven formulators to reassess global supply chains, prompting shifts toward proximate sourcing, investment in domestic manufacturing, and heightened collaboration with regional chemical producers to mitigate exposure.

As a result, cumulative tariff burdens have translated into elevated raw material costs and extended lead times, catalyzing strategic investments in vertically integrated operations and accelerated innovation in alternative feedstocks. Producers are prioritizing supply resilience by diversifying supplier portfolios and enhancing inventory management strategies to maintain uninterrupted production flows.

An understanding of product type segmentation reveals that acrylic polymers have emerged as preferred VI improver chemistries for formulations requiring superior high-temperature viscosity retention and oxidative stability, while olefin copolymers continue to dominate in cost-sensitive automotive and industrial oils due to their balanced performance profile. Polyisobutylene maintains its relevance in gear and compressor oils for its robust low-temperature rheology, and styrene copolymers serve niche applications demanding synergy between viscosity control and dispersancy. Transitioning to application segmentation, multigrade automotive engine oils lead adoption, with heavy duty, light commercial vehicle, and passenger car engine oils each demanding tailored viscosity profiles to match engine designs and regulatory fuel economy targets.

Beyond automotive, compressor and gear oils require VI improvers that withstand elevated shear stresses, while hydraulic oils, various industrial lubricants, and turbine oils seek multifunctional additive systems that optimize lubrication under extreme pressures and temperature regimes. Consequently, formulators calibrate VII selection to align with application-specific performance boundaries.

End-user industry segmentation underscores that the automotive sector, encompassing both commercial and passenger vehicles, is the largest consumer of VI improvers, driven by new engine technologies and inefficiency reduction mandates. The manufacturing sector, spanning food and beverage processing and metalworking, also demands high shear stability VI improvers to ensure equipment uptime. Marine deployments in merchant shipping and naval fleets prioritize VI improvers for extended oil drain intervals, while the oil and gas industry, across upstream and downstream operations, leverages VIs for critical rotating equipment. In parallel, power generation leverages gas and steam turbines that rely on high-viscosity stability for continuous operation.

Considering base oil type, the shift toward bio-based oils signals an opportunity for renewable-compatible VI improvers, whereas mineral oils remain prevalent in traditional industrial contexts. Synthetic oils, divided into Group III, IV, and V categories, provide high-purity base stocks that unlock the full performance benefits of advanced VI improver chemistries. Regarding technology segmentation, hybrid formulations blend polymer classes, nanotechnology-enhanced VI improvers incorporate engineered nanoparticles to augment shear resilience, and polymer-based systems continue to evolve. Distribution channels span aftermarket networks, industrial distributors, online platforms, and original equipment manufacturers, each facilitating tailored supply chain interactions. Finally, viscosity grade segmentation across SAE 0W, SAE 5W, SAE 10W, SAE 15W, and SAE 20W underscores the granularity of formulation challenges as end-users demand oils that perform reliably from subzero startups to high-temperature operating conditions.

In the Americas, the United States stands as the preeminent market due to its robust automotive manufacturing base and extensive industrial infrastructure, while Canada complements demand with its diversified energy and resource sectors. Brazil and Mexico are emerging as growth frontiers, leveraging localized refining capacity and supportive trade agreements to expand VI improver applications in automotive and heavy industries. Transitioning across the Atlantic, the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region presents a mosaic of advanced regulatory frameworks and sustainability mandates that drive demand for bio-based and low-emission lubricant solutions. Western European markets prioritize compliance with Euro VII and REACH regulations, spurring innovation in next-generation VI improvers. Middle Eastern oil producers are investing in refinery integration to optimize base oil production, while African markets are gradually scaling up industrial applications.

Asia-Pacific remains the largest regional consumer of viscosity index improvers, led by China’s expansive petrochemical complex and India’s accelerating industrialization and automotive adoption. Japan and South Korea contribute through high-precision manufacturing sectors that demand ultra-high-performance lubricants, while Southeast Asian economies are upgrading infrastructure and refining capabilities to meet regional lubricants demand. These diverse regional dynamics require adaptive market strategies that account for regulatory, economic, and technological variations across geographies.

Evonik Industries AG has intensified its focus on comb polymer technologies, introducing high-performance comb polymers with integrated anti-wear functionality that enhance viscosity index and reduce fuel consumption in engine oils, reinforcing its position at the forefront of R&D excellence. Drawing from recent in-house performance tests, Evonik’s formulators have demonstrated notable improvements in film strength and oxidation stability, showcasing the efficacy of its proprietary polymer architectures.

The Lubrizol Corporation leverages its extensive additive portfolio to deliver hybrid VI improver systems that integrate polymer chains with dispersant moieties, enabling multifunctional performance in modern engine oils. By fostering strategic partnerships with OEMs, Lubrizol tailors VI improvers to specific engine platforms, ensuring compatibility with emerging electrified and hybrid drivetrains.

Afton Chemical Corporation’s HiTEC® product line epitomizes versatile olefin copolymer and polymethacrylate formulations optimized for global markets, supporting API SP and ILSAC GF-6 specifications. Through its geographically diverse manufacturing footprint, Afton ensures regional availability and rapid technical support for formulators.

Infineum International Limited continues to expand its portfolio of nanotechnology-enhanced VI improvers, incorporating engineered nanoparticles to bolster shear stability and thermal resilience. Collaborative R&D initiatives with leading automakers underscore Infineum’s commitment to addressing the performance demands of next-generation powertrains.

Chevron Oronite Company LLC capitalizes on its integration with Group III base oil production to deliver VI improvers that optimize low-temperature fluidity and high-temperature viscosity retention, enabling formulators to achieve extended drain intervals and enhanced fuel economy.

Industry leaders should prioritize investment in bio-based and hybrid polymer technologies to balance performance demands with regulatory and sustainability requirements. Collaborating with upstream base oil suppliers and investing in vertical integration can mitigate tariff-driven supply chain disruptions and reduce exposure to fluctuating feedstock costs.

Organizations are advised to adopt real-time monitoring technologies and predictive analytics to optimize VI improver performance and support condition-based maintenance strategies. This approach enhances lubricant life cycles, minimizes downtime, and provides data-driven insights for continuous formulation refinement.

Finally, companies should cultivate strategic alliances with OEMs and end-users to co-develop tailored VI improver solutions that meet the specific demands of emerging engine architectures, hybrid drivetrains, and high-performance industrial applications. Such partnerships will drive differentiated product portfolios and secure long-term market positioning.

Our research methodology integrates rigorous primary and secondary research to ensure robust market insights. Primary research involved in-depth interviews with industry executives, formulators, and supply chain stakeholders to capture real-world perspectives on performance requirements, regulatory impacts, and technology adoption.

Secondary research encompassed analysis of industry publications, trade associations, patent filings, and regulatory documents to map historical trends and benchmark competitive strategies. Publicly available company literature and financial filings provided additional context on strategic initiatives and capacity expansions.

Quantitative analysis leveraged trade data, import-export statistics, and input cost indices to evaluate the impact of tariff measures and raw material price fluctuations. Our multi-method approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of market dynamics, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.

The viscosity index improver market stands at the intersection of performance innovation and sustainability transformation, shaped by evolving regulatory landscapes, technological breakthroughs, and shifting trade policies. As industry participants navigate bio-based trends, polymer chemistry advancements, and tariff-driven supply chain realignments, strategic agility and collaborative innovation emerge as critical success factors.

Looking ahead, the integration of smart technologies, deeper end-user partnerships, and continued investment in advanced additive systems will define market leaders. By embracing these imperatives, organizations can drive enhanced lubricant performance, meet stringent environmental targets, and secure competitive differentiation in an increasingly complex market ecosystem.

For a deeper dive into the comprehensive analysis of the viscosity index improvers market and to secure your tailored copy of the full market research report, please reach out to Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing. Engage directly to explore customized data, gain strategic clarity on emerging opportunities, and empower your organization with the intelligence necessary to stay ahead in this dynamic market landscape