In 2022, the market for metalworking fluids was estimated to be worth $10.49 billion USD worldwide. By 2031, it is expected to have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2023 to $14.46 billion USD.
The global metalworking fluids market demand in 2017 was 2,143.6 kilo tons and is projected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. With the rapid rate of industrialization across the globe, especially in developing regions such as the Asia Pacific, the demand for metalworking fluids is set to witness a noteworthy rise over the forecast period.
Metalworking fluids is a category of fluids which is designed for cooling and lubricating metal pieces while they are undergoing machining, milling or grounding process. These fluids prevent the metal piece from excessive wear & tear, thus, increasing the durability of cutting tools. Applying metalworking fluids helps in maintaining the quality of workpiece by continuously removing the chips, fines, and swarfs from the workpiece.
Metalworking fluids have always been on the center stage of several industries. machine learning industry, automobile production, and several other machining & manufacturing works widely use metalworking fluids for their operations. Forming, grinding and metal cutting is some of the primary processes applied for reshaping a metal piece. The primary application of metalworking fluids is to provide cooling and lubricants to the metal during these processes. Metalworking fluids reduce friction between the workpiece and cutting tool, thus, preventing burning and smoking during the process. These fluids also prevent metal pick up on workpiece and tool by flushing away the chips produced. Lastly, metalworking fluids impart the desired finish to the workpiece. Therefore, metalworking fluids find enormous usage across general manufacturing, heavy machining, equipment manufacturing, metal fabrication, and steel industry among others.
The impetus in today’s rapid industrial revolution is to produce or machine at the optimum rate with minimal downtime, maximized tool life, fewer scraps produced along with giving the desired finish. All these properties can only be achieved by applying suitable metalworking fluids. Owing to these factors, the global metalworking fluids market size is projected to witness tremendous growth over the forecast period at a revenue CAGR of 3.6% between 2018 and 2025.
Rapid growth in industrialization and upsurge in manufacturing activities is also a key factor to augment the global metalworking fluids market growth. While metalworking fluids reduce machining cost by enhancing tool life, they pose a severe threat to the safety and health of the machinists. Also, disposal of metalworking fluids is a major issue among environmentalists owing to its non-biodegradable nature which can negatively impact the environment due to hazardous metal carry-off causing soil contamination. These are some of the key factors that can hamper the development of the global metalworking fluids market size over the forecast period.
Owing to the aforementioned detrimental effects of metalworking fluids, pressure from energy authorities and environmentalists to use an alternative source for producing metalworking fluid led to the production of biobased metalworking lubricant. Extensive research & development efforts are being put in by leading players to produce metalworking fluids that eliminate these problems. Development of metalworking fluid from microalgae oil is one of the proposed alternatives for traditional crude oil-based metalworking fluids. Development of advanced machining techniques such as MQL (Minimum quantity lubrication) and dry machining are also some of the alternative techniques being adopted by the manufacturers. However, metalworking fluids are still widely preferred owing to their efficiency. Thus, these are some of the ongoing key trends in the global metalworking fluids market.
On the basis of raw material, mineral-based metalworking fluids dominated the global metalworking fluids market share with consumption exceeding 1,000 kilo tons in 2017. However, bio-based machine fluids are projected to witness significant growth over the coming years. On the basis of application, neat cutting oils accounted for more than 40% of market share in global metalworking fluids market 2017.
Upon the regional analysis of global metalworking fluids market, Asia Pacific is projected to continue its dominance by continuing to account for over 40% of the global metalworking fluids market share, in terms of volume and revenue, over the forecast period. Rapid industrialization in the region along with significant growth across the manufacturing sector is projected to boost the demand in the region. North America and Europe are also set to witness steady growth. The sales revenue generated by these two regions together is projected to account for 44.5% of the global metalworking fluids market share by 2025.
ExxonMobil Corporation, Houghton International Inc., Royal Dutch Shell plc, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, Fuchs Petrolub SE, Total S.A. are some of the key players that hold a significant percentage of the global metalworking fluids market share. These players are focused on research & development in order to reduce the harmful environmental impacts of metalworking fluids.
Metalworking Fluids Market Scope
Metrics | Details |
Base Year | 2023 |
Historic Data | 2018-2022 |
Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
Study Period | 2018-2031 |
Forecast Unit | Value (USD) |
Revenue forecast in 2031 | $10.49 billion |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 3.6 % during 2021-2031 |
Segment Covered | by Fluid Type, Application, Regions |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa |
Key Players Profiled | Houghton International Inc.; Blaser Swisslube AG; BP plc; Exxon Mobil Corp.; Total S.A.; FUCHS; Chevron Corp.; China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.; Kuwait Petroleum Corp |
Key segments of the global metalworking fluids market
Raw Material Overview, (USD Million) (Kilo Tons)
- Mineral
- Synthetic
- Bio-based
Application Overview, (USD Million) (Kilo Tons)
- Neat cutting oils
- Water soluble cutting oils
- Rust preventive oils
- Others
Regional Overview, (USD Million) (Kilo Tons)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Central & South America
- Middle East & Africa
Reasons for the study
- The purpose of the study is to give an exhaustive outlook of the metalworking fluid industry
- We have been following the lubricant industry from quite some time, especially cutting oils segment which is one of the prominent type of metalworking fluid
- Rapid growth in industrial activities across the globe is projected to augment the demand over next eight years
- Increasing complexity of manufacturing process has led to growth in demand for these fluids
What does the report include?
- The study on the global metalworking fluid market includes qualitative factors such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities
- Additionally, the market has been evaluated using the value chain, Porter’s Five Forces’ analysis and PESTEL analysis
- The study covers qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segmented on the basis of raw material, application, region (and country).
- Actual market sizes and forecasts have been provided for all the above-mentioned segments
- The study includes the profiles of key players in the market with a significant global and/or regional presence
Who should buy this report?
This study is suitable for industry participants and stakeholders in the metalworking fluids industry, who want an in-depth insight into the developments in the metalworking fluids market. The report will benefit:
- Metalworking fluids manufacturers and related raw material manufacturers, suppliers and independent consultants that are engaged in manufacturing or play a role in the supply chain
- Managers within financial institutions looking to publish recent and forecasted statistics pertaining to metalworking fluids industry
- Venture capitalist looking into investing capital in the industry
- Government organizations, regulatory bodies, policymakers and organizations looking for enhancing their policies and services pertaining to metalworking fluids industry
- Analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and academic institutions looking for insights into the market to determine future strategies