Friction Modifier Additives Market Forecast to Reach USD 3,041.6 Mn by 2032

The Friction Modifier Additives Market, estimated at USD 1,763.3 Mn in 2025, is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.1% and reach USD 3,041.6 Mn by 2032.

The market growth is driven by rising demand for innovative and efficient solutions, coupled with evolving consumer preferences and increasing adoption across diverse end-use sectors. Technological advancements, product innovations, and strategic investments are enhancing performance, improving cost efficiency, and expanding application scope. Additionally, supportive regulatory frameworks and sustainability-focused initiatives are further propelling market expansion, creating new opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Drivers:

The growing demand for improved fuel economy to reduce the engine oil viscosity is primarily fueling the market growth of the friction modifier additives market. Moreover, rising demand for ultra-low viscosity lubricant additives that enhance fuel efficiency and emission reductions are expected to augment the market growth. Moreover, the rising demand for advanced additive formulations, in order to meet the new standard for fuel economy, is expected to foster the friction modifier additives market growth.

Market Opportunities

The growing adoption of Fluorinated Polymers (PTFE) with friction modifier additives is expected to bolster the market growth. It is widely used in boundary and extreme pressure and high-temperature lubrication application and also has the lowest coefficient of friction and cold weld property. Thus, the growing adoption of Fluorinated Polymers (PTFE) is projected to accelerate the market growth.

Market Restraints

Increasing launch of new fuels is expected to pose challenges for lubricant additives that are expected to hamper the market growth. For example, increasing use of Ashfree Neutralizing Molecules (ANM) as a substitute to calcium- or boron-based lubricant additives are restricting the demand for friction modifiers additives. Ashfree Neutralizing Molecules (ANM) is highly stable and compatible with all types of lubricants.

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/friction-modifier-additives-market-3962

Key Takeaways:

On the basis of region, Asia Pacific dominated the global friction modifier additives market in 2025 with 32.7% of market share in terms of value, followed by Europe and North America respectively.

On the basis of application, the automotive lubricants segment dominated the global friction modifier additives market in 2025 with 45.6% of market share in terms of value, followed by industrial lubricants and aviation lubricants respectively.

Market Trends

Product launches by major players is a major trend in the friction modifier additives market and is expected to foster the market growth. For instance, in April 2025, LANXESS launched an organic lubricant additive for passenger car and high-performance engine oils. The new Addition RC 3502 has been specifically developed to reduce friction and deliver sustained performance and anti-wear protection. Moreover, this friction modifier is non-corrosive, compatible with all synthetic and mineral engine oils, and has zero SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorous, sulfur).

Regulations

ACEA

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (or Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles in French) is an organization that represents the 15 most important European motor vehicle manufacturers.

The A/B class's A1/B1 and A5/B5 oils have lower HTHS viscosities, which means that they provide better fuel economy but they may not provide adequate protection in engines that are not designed for them. ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4, on the other hand, require oils with higher HTHS viscosities that may not provide as good fuel economy as an A1/B1 or A5/B5 oil but may offer better engine protection in certain engine designs
The categories within the C class are divided along with SAPS limits and along with HTHS viscosities. C1 and C4 are low-SAPS oils, while C2 and C3 are mid-SAPS oils. On the other hand, C1 and C2 oils have lower HTHS viscosities, while C3 and C4 oils have higher HTHS viscosities. In the case of the E class, the SAPS content and the drain interval make the difference
E4 and E6 oils offer longer drain intervals where the engine manufacturer allows it while E7 and E9 are designed for medium drain applications. E6 and E9 have limited SAPS content so they can be used in engines that require this including Euro VI engines.

Friction Modifier Additives Market - Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

According to International Energy Agency, by the end of March 2025, the global transport activity was almost 50% below the 2025 average and aviation 60% below. Lockdowns in Q1 2025 and a slide in consumer confidence reduced not only transport activities but also global car sales. The demand for lubricants will be directly impacted by lower transport activities and lower car sales. The lower demand for lubricants will impact the friction modifier additives market growth.