Finished lubricant production in Japan declined 14%, while domestic sales increased 2% in November, compared to the same month last year, a government agency reported yesterday.
Japan’s production of finished lubricants fell to 186,224 kiloliters (167,000 metric tons) in November – the third lowest in a month this year – compared to 216,166 kL, according to data released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The country’s domestic lubricant sales edged up to 158,366 kL, compared to 155,356 kL. That was the third highest domestic lube sales for a month this year, behind 180,216 kL in September and 176,282 kL in March.
Japan’s exports of lubricants dropped 54% to 27,079 kL, compared to 58,286 kL. That was the second lowest lubes exports volume, ahead only of 26,025 kL in October. Those were the only two months this year where exports fell below 45,000 kL.
The country’s imports of lubricants surged 141% to 10,479 kL, compared to 4,355 kL. That was the second straight month lubricant imports topped the 10,000 kL mark, after remaining below that from July through September.
The ministry also releases grease data monthly, in metric tons. Production of grease in Japan decreased 3% to 4,957 tons last month.
Domestic sales of grease declined 5% to 3,886 tons in November.
The volume of grease imported into Japan in November dropped 57% to 101 tons, compared to 233 tons. Export volumes for the month showed a 2% uptick to 60 tons.