North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market By Type (Polymethacrylate, Olefin Copolymer, Polyisobutylene), By End-User (Manufacturing, Food Processing, Mining, Construction, Power Generation), By Country, By Competition, Forecast and Opportunities 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market was valued at USD 63.55 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 89.12 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period. The North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market comprises chemical additives that enhance the viscosity-temperature characteristics of lubricating oils, ensuring optimal engine and machinery performance across a wide range of operating temperatures.

These additives are primarily used in engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils, and gear oils to improve their efficiency and stability. The market is rising due to increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, stringent emission regulations, and the growing emphasis on engine durability and thermal stability. In modern vehicles, engines are designed for higher performance and operate under extreme conditions, necessitating lubricants that can maintain optimal viscosity across temperature fluctuations—this is where viscosity index improvers become critical.

The industrial machinery and heavy equipment sectors in North America are expanding, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, creating increased demand for high-performance lubricants that include viscosity modifiers. As industries shift toward synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants due to their superior performance and longevity, the consumption of viscosity index improvers is expected to grow in parallel. Moreover, the expansion of the electric vehicle segment is contributing to this market indirectly, as electric drivetrains still require lubricants for gear systems and thermal management systems, albeit in different formulations. Environmental regulations and sustainability goals are also pushing lubricant manufacturers to develop products with longer service life and better fuel economy, further driving innovation in viscosity index improvers.

The North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market is also benefitting from increased research and development investments by major chemical companies aiming to create more efficient and thermally stable additive technologies. The United States continues to dominate this market owing to its strong automotive industry, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and ongoing technological innovations. As demand for premium lubricants continues to rise and machinery performance standards increase across sectors, the North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market is projected to expand steadily over the coming years.

Key Market Drivers

Expansion of Automotive Production and Engine Technology Innovation

The North America viscosity index improvers market is experiencing significant traction due to the sustained expansion in automotive production and the evolution of advanced engine technologies. Automotive manufacturers in the region are focusing extensively on delivering vehicles that comply with stringent environmental regulations while maximizing engine efficiency and durability. This has driven demand for high-performance lubricants that can maintain optimal viscosity across a wide range of temperatures. Viscosity index improvers play a critical role in enabling multi-grade oils to deliver stable performance across both low and high temperature environments. As internal combustion engines become more complex—with tighter clearances, turbocharging, and higher operating temperatures—the demand for superior lubrication solutions increases proportionally. These developments have created an opportunity for viscosity index improvers to become indispensable additives in modern engine oils.

In addition to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles still require advanced lubricants for transmissions, gearboxes, and thermal management systems. The push towards electric mobility has not reduced the demand for viscosity index improvers; rather, it has shifted the focus towards thermally stable and oxidation-resistant formulations. Moreover, the growing preference for synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants across both consumer and commercial automotive segments has augmented the demand for performance-enhancing additives. With vehicle ownership continuing to rise and average vehicle life extending in North America, lubricant demand per vehicle is on an upward trend. Consequently, viscosity index improvers are poised to experience increasing adoption across the full spectrum of the regional automotive industry. In 2023, the United States manufactured approximately 10.6 million motor vehicles, including passenger cars and commercial trucks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, providing substantial ongoing demand for viscosity index improvers in engine oil formulations.

Industrial Machinery Modernization and Maintenance Requirements

The modernization of industrial machinery across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and mining is contributing significantly to the growth of the viscosity index improvers market in North America. As industrial equipment becomes more complex and operates under more demanding conditions, there is a growing need for lubricants that can maintain stable performance across varying temperatures and loads. High-performance lubricants are essential to ensure reduced friction, extended component life, and optimal machine uptime. Viscosity index improvers enable such lubricants to retain their flow characteristics under extreme pressure and thermal fluctuations. This becomes particularly crucial for heavy-duty machinery operating outdoors or in variable climatic zones, where temperature stability in lubricants directly correlates with machinery performance and durability.

In addition to modernization, preventive maintenance practices have become a priority for industrial operators looking to reduce unplanned downtime and maximize return on capital-intensive equipment. Lubrication management is at the core of these practices, creating demand for oils and greases fortified with viscosity index improvers that can endure long service intervals and resist thermal degradation. As industries prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency, viscosity index improvers are integral in formulating lubricants that reduce energy consumption by minimizing internal resistance and component wear. Given the aging infrastructure and equipment base still prevalent across North America, the replacement demand for premium lubricants further strengthens the need for advanced viscosity index improvers in industrial applications. According to the United States Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Manufactures, in 2022, U.S. manufacturers spent over 270 billion United States dollars on capital expenditures for machinery and equipment upgrades, underlining the scale of lubricant needs in industrial modernization.

Growth in Synthetic and Bio-Based Lubricants Adoption

The increasing adoption of synthetic and bio-based lubricants in North America has emerged as a major driver for viscosity index improvers. Unlike conventional mineral oils, synthetic lubricants offer enhanced thermal stability, lower volatility, and superior performance across a broader temperature range. These lubricants, however, require tailored additive packages—including viscosity index improvers—to optimize their viscosity-temperature relationship. As industrial and automotive users prioritize performance, energy efficiency, and lower total cost of ownership, synthetic lubricants have gained traction across sectors such as aviation, manufacturing, and logistics. Viscosity index improvers are fundamental in unlocking the full potential of these synthetic base stocks, helping them deliver consistent flow and protection from sub-zero to elevated temperatures.

Similarly, bio-based lubricants—derived from renewable sources—are gaining regulatory and environmental support, particularly in environmentally sensitive applications such as forestry, marine, and agriculture. However, bio-lubricants often suffer from poor oxidative stability and a narrow operational temperature range unless fortified with high-efficiency additives. Viscosity index improvers counteract these limitations and make bio-lubricants viable alternatives to petroleum-based products. With governmental incentives and corporate sustainability goals accelerating the transition toward eco-friendly lubricants, the demand for viscosity index improvers that are compatible with these formulations is rising steadily. As end-users seek both regulatory compliance and performance assurance, these improvers are becoming a strategic necessity in lubricant formulation. In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that over 240 million gallons of lubricants used annually in the United States now include synthetic or bio-based formulations, representing a growing share of demand for advanced additive technologies including viscosity index improvers.

Regulatory Pressure on Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reduction

Rising regulatory pressure focused on fuel efficiency and emission reduction is another critical factor propelling the demand for viscosity index improvers in North America. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and similar Canadian agencies have mandated tighter vehicle fuel economy standards and industrial emission limits. These regulations have forced original equipment manufacturers and industrial operators to adopt low-viscosity lubricants that reduce internal friction and improve engine and machinery efficiency. However, lower viscosity can compromise protection at high operating temperatures unless additives like viscosity index improvers are incorporated. These additives allow lubricant manufacturers to create oils that meet both performance and regulatory criteria by maintaining optimal film strength under thermal stress.

In heavy-duty applications such as freight transportation and off-road construction, where fuel costs and environmental regulations are closely monitored, viscosity index improvers help reduce wear and support extended drain intervals, contributing to both cost savings and emissions compliance. In addition, they enable the formulation of low-viscosity transmission and hydraulic fluids that reduce parasitic energy loss in drivetrains and machinery. As North America tightens its regulatory framework around energy consumption and environmental sustainability, lubricant formulators increasingly depend on viscosity index improvers to deliver products that meet technical specifications while supporting national environmental goals. The United States Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards require manufacturers to achieve a fleet-wide average of over 49 miles per gallon by 2026, driving increased demand for low-viscosity lubricants that rely heavily on viscosity index improvers for thermal stability and performance.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Fluctuating Prices and Supply Instability of Petrochemical Feedstocks

One of the most significant challenges confronting the North America viscosity index improvers market is the volatility in pricing and supply of petrochemical feedstocks used in the manufacturing of these additives. Viscosity index improvers are primarily synthesized from olefin copolymers, polyalkyl methacrylates, and other polymer-based compounds that are derivatives of crude oil and natural gas. The North American market is directly influenced by the upstream dynamics of the petrochemical industry, where feedstock availability can be disrupted by geopolitical events, refinery shutdowns, extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, and global crude oil market fluctuations. These disruptions often cause unpredictable price swings in raw materials, which in turn elevate the production costs for viscosity index improvers and erode profit margins for manufacturers and formulators.

The shift toward cleaner fuels and alternative energy has led to significant structural changes in the refining sector, reducing the availability of certain by-products traditionally used as chemical feedstocks. This long-term trend poses a threat to the sustained supply of key materials required in the production of polymer-based additives. With North American refineries gradually moving toward producing lower-carbon fuels and reducing output of heavy fractions, feedstock availability for viscosity index improver production becomes less secure. As a result, formulators and lubricant manufacturers are increasingly concerned about long-term pricing stability and supply chain resilience. The market must explore alternative feedstocks, backward integration strategies, or establish regional polymer supply agreements to mitigate the impact of such raw material uncertainties.

Technical Limitations in Compatibility and Shear Stability

A persistent technical challenge in the North America viscosity index improvers market lies in the performance limitations associated with additive compatibility and shear stability. Viscosity index improvers are long-chain polymers that interact with other components in lubricant formulations, including detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, anti-wear agents, and corrosion inhibitors. Incompatible or unstable interactions between viscosity index improvers and other additives can lead to phase separation, additive dropout, or compromised lubricant performance. The increasing complexity of lubricant formulations, driven by diverse applications in automotive, industrial, and off-road machinery sectors, requires precise additive engineering and meticulous testing protocols. However, not all viscosity index improvers exhibit uniform behavior across varied base oils and additive packages, creating risks in high-stress applications where fluid failure can lead to mechanical breakdown or safety concerns.

Viscosity index improvers are prone to mechanical shear degradation during high-speed and high-pressure operation, especially in automotive engines and heavy-duty equipment. Shear degradation reduces the molecular weight of the polymers, thereby diminishing their viscosity-enhancing capability and leading to permanent viscosity loss over time. This results in lubricants losing their protective qualities under sustained stress conditions. The challenge of maintaining shear stability while achieving high viscosity index improvement requires advanced polymer synthesis techniques and significant research and development investment. As equipment manufacturers continue to demand longer drain intervals and better performance under extreme operating environments, the current generation of viscosity index improvers must evolve to address these mechanical and chemical performance gaps. Failure to improve in these areas could limit the applicability of certain formulations across critical sectors.

Environmental and Regulatory Pressures on Polymer-Based Additives

The growing scrutiny of environmental impact associated with synthetic polymer-based additives is a substantial challenge for the North America viscosity index improvers market. Regulatory bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada are increasingly targeting the environmental footprint of lubricant formulations, especially regarding non-biodegradable components and microplastic release into ecosystems. Many viscosity index improvers, particularly those based on high molecular weight synthetic polymers, are not readily biodegradable and can persist in the environment. As lubricant runoff and accidental discharges occur in agricultural, marine, and construction environments, there is rising concern among regulators and environmental organizations regarding the long-term ecological impact of such additives.

In response to these concerns, there is growing regulatory momentum toward restricting or phasing out certain non-biodegradable polymers, compelling lubricant manufacturers to reevaluate their additive chemistry. This regulatory pressure presents a dual challenge: on one hand, producers must comply with evolving environmental standards; on the other, they must develop alternatives that maintain or exceed current levels of performance without compromising on thermal stability, shear resistance, and compatibility. Research into biodegradable viscosity index improvers is underway, but the cost, scalability, and performance reliability of such solutions remain in early development stages. As regulations tighten and end-users demand more sustainable lubricant products, manufacturers of viscosity index improvers face increasing complexity in aligning product innovation with environmental compliance, without sacrificing commercial viability.

Key Market Trends

Rising Integration of Viscosity Index Improvers in Electric Vehicle Drivetrain Fluids

The North America viscosity index improvers market is witnessing an emerging trend characterized by the increased integration of polymer-based additives in specialized lubricants designed for electric vehicle drivetrains. As the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates across the region, the demand for thermally stable, low-viscosity lubricants that can perform reliably across a wide temperature spectrum is expanding rapidly. Electric vehicle gearboxes, motors, and bearings generate localized heat due to high-speed rotation and friction, making fluid viscosity behavior critical for optimal energy efficiency and protection. Viscosity index improvers, especially those engineered for high shear stability and low-temperature fluidity, are being tailored for electric vehicle applications, where traditional engine oil formulations are incompatible.

Lubricant manufacturers are investing in electric vehicle-specific product lines that utilize advanced viscosity index improvers to ensure minimal power losses, better cooling, and long-term fluid durability. This trend is expected to redefine additive development parameters, with research and development efforts focused on compatibility with dielectric fluids and enhanced oxidation resistance. The growth in electric vehicle production volume in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, has translated into a parallel rise in demand for advanced driveline fluids, and consequently, an increased usage of next-generation viscosity index improvers that enable electric vehicle performance standards to be met with precision.

Transition Toward Low Viscosity Lubricants in Automotive and Industrial Sectors

A notable trend reshaping the North America viscosity index improvers market is the growing shift toward the use of low viscosity lubricants across both automotive and industrial segments. Original equipment manufacturers in North America are under sustained pressure to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prompting the development and deployment of lighter fluid formulations. Low viscosity lubricants reduce internal friction and mechanical drag, thus contributing to improved energy efficiency. However, such lubricants must maintain viscosity integrity under operating stress, necessitating the incorporation of high-performance viscosity index improvers that prevent viscosity breakdown under shear or temperature variations.

This shift is especially evident in the formulation of SAE 0W-16 and SAE 0W-20 grade lubricants for modern engines, where robust viscosity index improvers are essential to ensure protection during cold starts as well as high-temperature operations. Similarly, in the industrial domain, sectors such as wind energy, precision manufacturing, and robotics require low-viscosity fluids to ensure system responsiveness and thermal stability. The viscosity index improvers being developed today must therefore deliver balanced molecular architecture, high solubility, and compatibility with Group III and synthetic base oils. As the demand for thinner lubricants grows steadily in North America, it is directly driving the innovation, volume, and complexity of viscosity index improver usage within both commercial and industrial lubricant formulations.

Growing Adoption of Sustainable and Biodegradable Additive Alternatives

Sustainability considerations are rapidly influencing product development strategies within the North America viscosity index improvers market, particularly as regulatory bodies and corporate sustainability initiatives place increasing emphasis on environmental compatibility. In response, lubricant manufacturers are gradually integrating biodegradable and renewable-sourced viscosity index improvers into their formulations to minimize ecological impact without compromising performance. This trend is especially pronounced in sectors such as agriculture, marine, forestry, and mining, where lubricant discharge into the environment is more likely and thus heavily regulated. New-generation viscosity index improvers made from plant-derived or biodegradable polymers are being designed to offer comparable thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and viscosity retention characteristics as traditional petroleum-based additives.

Companies across North America are pursuing life-cycle assessments and eco-label certifications to meet customer demands and regulatory benchmarks related to biodegradability, toxicity, and carbon footprint. Additionally, government incentives supporting green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices are accelerating the research and commercialization of environmentally responsible viscosity index improvers. As end-users across industries increasingly demand lubricant solutions that align with corporate environmental responsibility goals, the adoption of sustainable additive technologies is poised to reshape procurement decisions and shift market preferences in favor of green-compatible viscosity index improvers.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

In 2024, the olefin copolymer segment emerged as the dominant type in the North America viscosity index improvers market and is projected to maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period. This dominance can be attributed to the exceptional performance characteristics of olefin copolymers, including their superior shear stability, thermal resistance, and compatibility with both conventional and synthetic lubricants. These properties make olefin copolymers highly suitable for a wide array of applications across automotive and industrial lubricants, especially in demanding environments where lubricant performance directly impacts operational efficiency and equipment longevity.

Original equipment manufacturers in the region have increasingly specified low-viscosity, fuel-efficient lubricants that require viscosity index improvers capable of maintaining fluid integrity under extreme mechanical and thermal stress, which olefin copolymers consistently deliver. Olefin copolymers offer formulation flexibility and cost-effectiveness, enhancing their adoption across diverse lubricant product lines. Their molecular architecture allows them to perform effectively across a wide range of viscosity grades, from passenger vehicle engine oils to heavy-duty industrial gear oils, giving lubricant manufacturers a versatile solution for multiple end-use sectors. The rise in commercial transportation activity, industrial automation, and the transition to synthetic and Group III base oils in North America further support the continued preference for olefin copolymer-based viscosity index improvers.

In addition, technological advancements have led to the development of new-generation olefin copolymers with enhanced thermal and oxidative stability, which align with evolving emission standards and extended oil drain intervals. Given the convergence of regulatory compliance, performance efficiency, and economic considerations, the olefin copolymer segment is expected to experience sustained growth, reinforcing its position as the most influential contributor to the viscosity index improvers market in North America over the coming years.

Download Free Sample Report

Country Insights

Largest Country

In 2024, the United States continued to solidify its position as the dominant player in the North America viscosity index improvers market, driven by a combination of technological leadership, robust industrial infrastructure, and a well-established automotive sector. The country’s expansive base of lubricant manufacturers and additive formulators played a central role in shaping demand for high-performance viscosity index improvers, especially as engine technologies evolved to meet stricter fuel efficiency and emission standards. Additionally, the increasing penetration of electric vehicles, growth in heavy-duty transportation, and expansion of industrial manufacturing in sectors such as mining, construction, and energy contributed significantly to the rising need for thermally stable and shear-resistant lubricant additives. The presence of leading additive manufacturers and research centers in the United States enabled rapid development and deployment of advanced viscosity index improver chemistries, including olefin copolymers and polymethacrylates tailored for specific performance needs. Regulatory frameworks such as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and environmental protection initiatives further pushed original equipment manufacturers and lubricant suppliers toward adopting premium formulations. With strong domestic consumption, technological innovation, and regulatory alignment, the United States is expected to maintain its leadership in the North America viscosity index improvers market over the forecast period.

Emerging Country

Canada is rapidly emerging as a key player in the North America viscosity index improvers market due to its growing industrial activities and rising demand for high-performance lubricants. The country’s diverse climate, which ranges from extremely cold to temperate conditions, necessitates lubricants that maintain consistent viscosity, increasing the adoption of viscosity index improvers. Additionally, the expansion of Canada’s automotive, construction, and mining sectors has driven demand for advanced lubricant formulations that offer improved thermal stability and longer service life. Canadian manufacturers are also investing in research and development to produce environmentally sustainable additives, aligning with global emission norms. With increasing domestic consumption and strong export potential, Canada is positioning itself as a strategic growth hub in the viscosity index improvers market.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Chevron Oronite announced ICONIC Base Oil Solutions as its official distributor in Brazil. The partnership involves distributing OLOA® lubricant additives, OGA® gasoline fuel additives, and PARATONE® viscosity modifiers. This collaboration will enhance Chevron's presence in the Brazilian market, providing high-quality solutions. Chevron Oronite also thanked former distributor Caldic for their support in Brazil over the past years. Distribution by ICONIC will begin in June 2025.
• In September 2024, Infineum restructured into two strategic business units: Sustainable Transportation and Energy Applications. The Energy Applications unit will focus on ENEL, I&I, and NBD, driving operational excellence and accelerating decarbonization. Bruce Royan, appointed EVP of Energy Applications, will leverage Infineum's expertise in fluid chemistry and performance optimization to create innovative solutions for emerging energy technologies.
• In May 2024, Lubrizol launched Lubrizol® CV9660, a new low-SAPS Heavy Duty lubricant technology designed to meet higher performance levels while simplifying solutions across multiple viscosity profiles. Formulated for the European market's ACEA E8 lubricant demands, this product uses Lubrizol® 7077 polymer to cover multiple viscosity grades, improving efficiency and adding value. It addresses challenges in viscosity, base oils, and additives, offering customers a solution that streamlines operations and enhances performance.

Key Market Players

• Evonik Industries AG
• Lubrizol Corporation
• Chevron Corporation
• Afton Chemical Corporation
• Infineum International Limited
• BASF SE
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, the North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market, By Type:

o   Polymethacrylate

o   Olefin Copolymer

o   Polyisobutylene               

• North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market, By End-User:

o   Manufacturing

o   Food Processing

o   Mining

o   Construction

o   Power Generation

• North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market, By Country:

o   United States

o   Canada

o   Mexico

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market.

Available Customizations:

North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

North America Viscosity Index Improvers Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]