The global viscosity index improvers market size was valued at USD 4.49 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 4.75 billion in 2026 to USD 7.52 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2034. North America dominated the viscosity index improvers market with a market share of 36.4% in 2025.
Viscosity index improvers are specialized additives used in lubricants and oils to help maintain stable viscosity across changing temperatures. They reduce excessive thinning at high temperatures while supporting smooth flow at lower temperatures, improving lubricant performance and equipment protection. These additives are widely used in automotive engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, and industrial lubricants to enhance efficiency, durability, and reliable operation under varying conditions.
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Growing Development of Viscosity Modifiers for Electric Drive Fluids
The viscosity index improvers market is expanding beyond conventional engine oils as electric drivetrains create different lubricant requirements. Electric drive fluids must combine viscosity control with thermal management, electrical compatibility, and low mechanical losses because the lubricant can interact closely with motors, gears, and other electrical components. Polymer architecture therefore needs to support efficiency without compromising protection across changing operating temperatures. Development of EV-specific lubricant chemistry is becoming an important part of viscosity index improvers market trends.
In March 2025, Evonik presented new research on viscosity index improvers for directly cooled electric drives, evaluating how viscosity profiles affect electric-drive efficiency. The work assessed EV fluids containing viscosity modifiers at typical treat rates of approximately 0.5–10% used within lubricant formulations.
Increasing Shift Toward Ultra-Low-Viscosity Engine Oils
Automotive lubricant formulations are moving toward lower viscosity grades to reduce internal friction and improve fuel economy while still protecting increasingly sophisticated engines. This creates greater technical demands on viscosity index improvers because oils must remain fluid during cold starts while retaining adequate film strength at high operating temperatures. Advanced polymer structures allow formulators to achieve this wider temperature-performance window without excessively increasing additive concentration. Ultra-low-viscosity formulation is consequently expanding the viscosity index improvers industry toward higher-performance polymer systems.
In October 2025, Shell introduced 3 advanced automotive lubricants, including new synthetic transmission and engine-related formulations incorporating viscosity improvers. The portfolio included a 75W-90 synthetic gear oil engineered with high-quality base oils, viscosity improvers, and a specialized additive package.
Introduction of Stricter Engine-Oil Performance Standards
New engine-oil specifications are increasing the importance of precise viscosity control because lubricants must simultaneously support fuel economy, low-temperature pumpability, engine cleanliness, wear protection, and compatibility with modern emission systems. Meeting these requirements requires carefully engineered viscosity modifiers capable of maintaining lubricant properties throughout the oil's service life. As lubricant blenders reformulate products to satisfy newer specifications, demand for advanced polymer additives increases. Changing performance standards are therefore strengthening viscosity index improvers market demand.
In March 2025, the American Petroleum Institute introduced API SQ alongside the ILSAC GF-7A and GF-7B engine-oil requirements. The new specifications added or strengthened performance requirements covering at least 7 areas, including fuel economy, low-temperature pumpability, timing-chain wear, piston deposits, sludge, emission-system protection, and protection against low-speed pre-ignition.
Greater Availability of High-Viscosity Base Stocks Can Reduce Additive Requirements
Improved base-stock technology can reduce the amount of polymeric viscosity improver required in selected formulations. High-viscosity and high-viscosity-index base oils provide formulators with greater inherent viscosity control before an additive package is introduced. Where technically suitable, this can enable manufacturers to achieve targeted lubricant properties with lower viscosity-modifier treat rates, creating substitution pressure on additive consumption per unit of finished lubricant. Advances in premium base stocks can therefore restrain viscosity index improvers market growth in certain applications.
In May 2025, ExxonMobil advanced startup activities for its refinery upgrade designed to add approximately 20,000 barrels per day of light, heavy, and extra-heavy lubricant base stocks. The project includes EHC 340 MAX, a new extra-heavy Group II base stock developed for applications requiring high viscosity.
Expansion of High-Efficiency Hydraulic Fluids for Industrial Equipment
High-viscosity-index hydraulic fluids can reduce internal leakage and mechanical losses while improving equipment productivity. Construction, mining, agricultural, and manufacturing machinery therefore provide an expanding application base for specialized polymer additives. Energy-efficient hydraulics can help suppliers increase viscosity index improvers market share beyond automotive lubricants.
In January 2025, BASF highlighted its IRGAFLO viscosity index improver portfolio for high-performance hydraulic fluids and other industrial lubricants. The portfolio contains at least 7 dedicated IRGAFLO viscosity improver grades designed to support viscosity control across broad operating-temperature ranges.
Maintaining Polymer Performance Under Mechanical Shear
Viscosity index improvers are long-chain polymers that can experience mechanical degradation when lubricants repeatedly pass through gears, bearings, pumps, and other high-shear components. Permanent polymer breakdown reduces the additive's thickening effect and can cause an oil to fall below its intended viscosity during service. Manufacturers must therefore balance thickening efficiency, molecular weight, low-temperature properties, and shear stability when designing new additives. Maintaining viscosity throughout prolonged mechanical stress remains a major technical challenge as viscosity index improvers market size expands into more demanding lubricant applications.
In January 2026, Infineum advanced its next-generation viscosity-modifier technology for demanding engine applications, with polymer development targeting improved thickening efficiency and shear stability. Its optimized diblock architecture demonstrated comparable performance at approximately 14% lower treat rate while maintaining viscosity within grade during a 35,000-mile field evaluation.
Polymethacrylate Segment Dominated the Market with 42.5% Share in 2025
The polymethacrylate segment dominated the global viscosity index improvers market with a 42.5% market share in 2025, valued at USD 1.91 billion. The segment's dominance is driven by its strong viscosity-temperature performance, good shear stability, and widespread use in automotive and industrial lubricants. Its ability to maintain lubricant performance across varying operating temperatures continues to support strong demand.
The olefin copolymer and polyisobutylene segments continue to maintain demand across automotive, industrial, and specialty lubricant formulations. Their ability to improve lubricant viscosity characteristics and support reliable equipment performance across different operating conditions is strengthening their use.
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The construction segment is Projected to Register the Fastest Growth at a CAGR of 4.96%
The construction segment is projected to register the fastest growth at a CAGR of 4.96% during the forecast period. Increasing use of heavy construction equipment, hydraulic machinery, earthmoving equipment, and other high-performance machinery is supporting demand for lubricants with effective viscosity control across changing temperatures and demanding operating environments.
The manufacturing, food processing, mining, and power generation segments continue to generate demand for viscosity index improvers as industrial machinery requires reliable lubrication under varying operating conditions. Growing focus on equipment efficiency, reduced wear, longer service life, and preventive maintenance continues to support adoption across these end-users.
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North America's viscosity index improvers market accounted for 36.4% of the global market, reaching USD 1.63 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.42% during the forecast period. Market growth is supported by strong automotive and industrial lubricant consumption, demand for high-performance engine oils, and increasing requirements for lubricants capable of maintaining viscosity across varying operating temperatures. Expanding use of advanced lubricants in transportation, manufacturing, and heavy machinery further supports regional demand.
The United States represents the largest market in North America. Its extensive automotive fleet, established lubricant manufacturing industry, and strong demand for high-performance engine, transmission, and industrial oils continue to support the consumption of viscosity index improvers.
Canada's automotive, mining, construction, and industrial sectors support demand for high-performance lubricants. Challenging operating temperatures and growing requirements for reliable machinery lubrication continue to strengthen the use of viscosity index improvers.
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Europe's viscosity index improvers market accounted for 27.8% of the global market, reaching USD 1.25 billion in 2025, and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.31% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for high-quality automotive lubricants, stringent efficiency requirements, growing use of synthetic and semi-synthetic oils, and technological advancements in lubricant formulations continue to support regional market expansion.
Germany represents a major European market. Its established automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors, strong demand for premium lubricants, and increasing use of advanced engine and transmission oils continue to support market development.
Growing demand for high-performance automotive and industrial lubricants, increasing use of synthetic lubricant formulations, and emphasis on improving equipment efficiency and durability continue to support market growth.
The Asia Pacific viscosity index improvers market accounted for 24.6% of the global market, reaching USD 1.10 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.91% during the forecast period. Rapid industrialization, expanding automotive production and ownership, growing manufacturing activities, and increasing consumption of high-performance lubricants across transportation and industrial machinery continue to support regional market development.
China represents a major market within the Asia Pacific. Large automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors, increasing lubricant consumption, expanding transportation activities, and growing demand for advanced engine and machinery oils continue to support market expansion.
India's expanding automotive sector, increasing vehicle ownership, growing industrial production, and rising demand for high-performance lubricants in manufacturing, construction, and transportation applications continue to strengthen market development.
Japan's advanced automotive and manufacturing industries, strong demand for premium lubricant formulations, and emphasis on improving engine and equipment efficiency continue to support the use of viscosity index improvers.
Latin America's viscosity index improvers market accounted for 6.5% of the global market, reaching USD 0.29 billion in 2025, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.86% during the forecast period. Expanding vehicle fleets, increasing industrial activity, growing demand for automotive lubricants, and continued development of mining and construction industries support regional market growth.
Brazil represents a major regional market. Its large automotive sector, expanding transportation activities, established industrial base, and growing demand for engine and industrial lubricants continue to create opportunities for viscosity index improver suppliers.
The Middle East & Africa viscosity index improvers market accounted for 4.7% of the global market, reaching USD 0.21 billion in 2025, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period. Growing transportation activity, expanding industrial and construction sectors, demand for lubricants capable of operating under demanding climatic conditions, and continued development of heavy machinery applications support regional market growth.
Growing automotive activity, industrial development, construction projects, and demand for high-performance lubricants capable of functioning effectively under high-temperature conditions continue to support market development.
Mining, automotive, construction, and manufacturing activities continue to generate demand for durable engine and industrial lubricants, supporting steady consumption of viscosity index improvers.
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Author's Details
Research Head
Ismail Sutaria is a market intelligence and strategy professional with over 12 years of experience advising organizations across the chemicals, packaging, industrial machinery, and energy & power sectors. He specializes in delivering data-driven market assessments, commercial due diligence, industry benchmarking, demand forecasting, competitive strategy, and growth advisory that enable businesses to make confident investment and expansion decisions in complex industrial markets.
His expertise spans specialty and commodity chemicals, advanced and sustainable packaging solutions, industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, process engineering, renewable energy, conventional power generation, electrical infrastructure, and industrial technologies. Ismail has developed deep domain knowledge in evaluating market ecosystems, technology evolution, regulatory frameworks, supply-demand dynamics, pricing trends, value chain structures, and competitive landscapes across global and regional markets.
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