The United States exported 33% more and imported more than 110% more automotive, diesel and marine engine lubricating oils in 2021 than the country did in 2020, according to data tracked by the U.S. International Trade Commission. The federal agency advises the legislative and executive branches on matters of trade.
The United States exported $1.9 billion in automotive, diesel and marine engine lubricating oils in 2021, compared with $1.4 billion in 2020.
Last year the country imported $1.3 billion in automotive, diesel and marine engine lubricating oils, a 114% jump from $614.3 million for 2020.
The agency also tracks imports and exports of automotive gear oils. In 2021, the U.S. exported $177.5 million in automotive gear oils, a 15% increase from $154.7 million in 2020.
Imports of automotive gear oils into the U.S. last year rose 40% to $65.6 million, up from $46.8 million.
Domestic exports consist of merchandise exported from the United States that are either products produced or manufactured in the country or that are products of foreign origin that have been changed or enhanced in value in the United States or in in U.S. Foreign Trade Zones by further manufacture, according to the agency. Export data are calculated based on the Free Along Ship, or FAS, value, which generally means that the goods are considered delivered when a seller’s ship arrives alongside the buyer’s ship or destination port.
Imports, or “imports for consumption,” refers to merchandise that has physically cleared customs after entering consumption channels immediately or entering after withdrawal from bonded warehouses under customs custody or from Foreign Trade Zones. Import data are calculated based on customs value.
The U.S. International Trade Commission data was compiled and published in the Auto Care Association’s 2023 Auto Care Factbook report.