China produces almost as much grease as North America and Europe combined, and the rest of Asia collectively churns out more than each of those Western regions, according to this years production report from the National Lubricating Grease Institute. Lithium soaps reign as the most prominent thickener type around the world.

Indias lube suppliers have long relied on local storage hubs for most sales across the country, but at least some are set to begin consolidating depots to central, strategic locations as the new Goods and Services Tax system no longer favors local sales, said an industry observer.

Japans sales of base oils used in the production of lubricants rose about half a percentage point in 2016 to approximately 2.1 million metric tons, due mainly to an increase in demand from engine oil blenders, according to data released by the countrys Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Thailand will exempt most process oil-derived products from excise taxes later this year, according to government officials, but lube blenders will continue being taxed at the 5 baht (U.S. 14 cents) per liter rate introduced in January.