Sabres Rattling
The world breathed a sigh of relief when swords were replaced in their scabbards after an American drone was downed in the Gulf by Iranian forces in June. President Donald Trumps last minute decision to cancel a retaliation prevented yet another conflict from further enflaming the war-torn region. Lets hope that relations can be improved enough that Iran, the regions largest producer of API Group I base oils, can eventually be integrated back into global markets once more.
This edition features a look at another economy on the receiving end of U.S. sanctions. Our man in Eastern Europe profiles Rosneft and its attempt to pursue import substitution goals in Russia. Our regular tech contributor warns the end may be nigh for metalworking fluids as we know it. And we learn about the potentially positive environmental impact and knock-on effects on the global lube industry from the new China 6 emissions regulation penned by an additives industry insider.
Finally, we are putting the finishing touches to the next LubesnGreases Perspective on Electric Vehicles, which will be available to subscribers at the end of this month. If you havent done so already, there is still time to subscribe by visiting www.LubesnGreases.com/electric-vehicles.
– Simon Johns
Simon@LubesnGreases.com