Chinese lubricant manufacturer Luroda recently acquired GS Caltex’s 65% share in their joint venture blending plant in Tianjin, China, becoming the sole owner of the facility and gaining flexibility to produce products for both the South Korean company and other customers.

South Korea exported 34% less base oil in July, and the reported value plunged 48%, compared to the same month last year, the Korea Customs Service reported. The export volume was the smallest in more than three years and the value the lowest in more than two.

The Special Report on Electric Vehicles examines the greasing and heat management needs of this new category of automobiles plus some lessons gleaned from an electrified racing circuit.

Second quarter profits for metalworking fluids and industrial fluids manufacturer Yushiro Chemical received a boost from the easing of the global semiconductor shortage, which increased automotive plant utilization globally. Specialty chemical producer KH Neochem also reported higher profit and sales, while profits jumped 47% for GS Caltex’s base oils and lubricants business.