In line with lubricating oil trends, global grease production in 2024 fell slightly, according to the National Lubricating Grease Institute’s most recent annual production survey.*
China remains the world’s largest grease producer by volume, although output was reported to have declined in 2024. The country’s economy has underperformed over the past two years, with weakening domestic demand, a burst real estate bubble and the lingering economic effects of the pandemic, which may account for the drop. The domestic grease industry is also maturing, suggesting companies are more likely to report actual output rather than capacity, according to a grease industry expert.
India, China’s economic rival, is experiencing growth. India’s performance appears stronger on paper, but weak private-sector spending and low per-capita income may hinder sustained industrial development and grease consumption.
North America production has declined steadily over the past decade. After peaking in 2018, European grease production has returned to levels seen a decade ago. Most other regions are experiencing either flat or lower production.
Despite pressure on lithium demand from electric vehicle batteries and other uses, lithium and lithium complex greases remained the most used thickener types, at 38.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Together, they accounted for more production than all other types. However, global production of both types continued to decline, falling by 0.8% and 3.8%, respectively. This reflects a shift toward other thickeners, particularly calcium-based options, evolving technological preferences and potential restrictions under the European Union’s REACh regulations.
Calcium sulfonate greases grew globally by 7.7%, especially in North America, China and Europe, with all regions except India contributing to the increase.
Anhydrous calcium greases declined by 14.2% globally, largely due to a 57 million kilogram drop in China. Growth was noted in Europe.
Calcium hydrated grease production increased modestly, although historical trends remain inconsistent.
Polyurea greases, after years of growth led by China, declined slightly, mainly due to reduced production in China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Lithium calcium greases made up 2.3% of total production, though this figure may be underreported due to missing data from China.
* The NLGI survey reflects market trends by extrapolating data from a growing number of participants, rising to 248 reporting grease plants in 2024 from 232.