Base oil export volumes from the United States were 26% higher in July, and base oil imports into the U.S. jumped by more than 140%, compared to the same month last year, according to U.S. government agency data. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. base oil exports reached a record 3.9 million barrels in July, compared to 3.1 million barrels in the same month last year.

Brazil’s Institute of Automotive Quality launched a technicians training program about automotive lubricants quality, with the support of the American Petroleum Institute. The initiative aims to enable Brazilian companies to access international standards and references and to gain access to API-certified products.

Afton Chemical reported 15% higher operating profit and a 12% bump in sales for the quarter ending Sept. 30 as increases in its own selling prices overcame challenges in raw material and operating costs.