Forestry Lubricants Market

Forestry Lubricants Market Size

The global forestry lubricants market was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 5.2 billion in 2026 to USD 6.9 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 3.2% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The higher growth of this market can be attributed to the increasing use of sophisticated equipment operated in forestry, such as harvesters, feller bunchers, skidders, and forwarders, which need specially designed lubricants for optimal performance.
  
• Additionally, increased costs associated with equipment 'downtime' in remote Forestry operations have driven the adoption of synthetic, bio-based, or high viscosity lubricants that provide better protection against wear and longer service intervals. The operator is constantly looking for a lubricant that can perform in high-load, high-temperature, and wet environments, specifically found in the Tropical Zone and Sub-Arctic Regions.
  
• Government mandates will be critical for maintaining the market viability of EALs. Federal regulations are expected to encourage the commercial market growth of EALs while at the same time creating jobs in the green economy. The current demand for EALs is driven primarily by both regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability concerns. Also, some EALs are bio-based with greater than 50% renewable content, which makes them contributing factors in the U.S. and European production of both bio-fuels and bio-products. Therefore, as more consumers are seeking replacement for plastic in their daily lives, the trend towards using EALs will continue to grow.
  
• The use of IoT technology in forestry is rapidly growing, and its continued development is a key contributor to this trend. An increasing number of manufacturers of forestry equipment are partnering with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to utilize IoT-based lubrication monitoring technologies in their respective agricultural machinery. By failing to utilize these technologies, many manufacturers of forestry equipment will be forced to rely on manual lubrication processes and, as a result, lose substantial time and money through excessive maintenance of their machines.
  
• Industry leaders have responded to the demand for EALs by designing and marketing products specifically for use in sawmill and biomass facilities. Each of these companies has developed a proprietary product designed to meet specific requirements associated with this segment of the forestry industry.
  
• There has been an addition to many lubricant manufacturers with the diversification of lubricant formulations for specialized applications, such as hydraulic systems, gearbox lubrication, lubrication for chain saw guide bars, and lubrication for paper production. The increase in the generic form of the lubricant has created an increase in end user-customization and product offering.
  
• The lubricants themselves are being modified to achieve better water resistance, anti-foaming capabilities, and enhanced oxidation resistance. The increased demand for these oils is due to the rough working conditions that are typically seen in such industries as wood processing and harvesting of logs.
  
• The price pressure created by the fluctuating price of the base oils used to create lubricants have created challenges to growth in regions that have limited awareness of lubricant types and pricing. This gap is bridged by the increased engagement of multinational lubricant manufacturers utilizing local distributors and distribution channels.
  

Forestry Lubricants Market Trends

• As society continues to evolve towards a more sustainable future, there is an increasing demand for biodegradable and environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in ecologically sensitive environments (e.g., boreal forests and protected areas). In turn, governments worldwide have established regulations (e.g., EU Ecolabel, U.S. Vessel General Permit (VGP)) that support and/or require the use of EALs in forestry equipment manufacture.
  
• Digitization is becoming a prominent driver of change in the forestry market, as lubrication and equipment OEMs are deploying Internet-of-Things (IoT)-enabled condition monitoring systems in conjunction with their traditional lubricant marketing efforts. Smart lubrication systems enable real-time monitoring of lubricant quality (oil condition), temperature and wear metal levels, resulting in the ability to minimize downtime and extend the life of equipment. Companies, including Shell and Fuchs, continue to invest heavily in the development of remote diagnostics for lubricant management systems, specifically for use in industrial harvesting and skidding equipment.
  
• Smallholders and local businesses (mostly in Asia, Africa, and South America) have a significant need for higher quality, higher performing lubricant products. Most of these smallholders operate at a price point that is very sensitive, and the awareness of different petroleum based lubricants is low. Consequently, the result is that they have high maintenance costs associated with their products and cannot use them for as long as they could if they had been using higher quality lubricants, presenting an enormous opportunity for companies to provide bioproducts that are a cost-effective alternative.
  
• Governmental initiatives in India, Brazil and China have led to considerable growth in afforestation efforts, as well as increased use of mechanized timber harvesting equipment for the lumber industry. These efforts produce a higher volume of logging equipment purchases and furthering the growth of lubricant usage within the forestry industry.
  

Forestry Lubricants Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into synthetic, synthetic blend oil, bio-based, and mineral. Synthetic dominated the market with an approximate market share of 32.1% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.3% by 2035.

• Synthetic lubricants account for the highest market share because synthetic lubricants are superior performers in tough working conditions of the forestry sector where machines experience extreme shock loads, high temperature, contamination and extended operation in very difficult terrain.
  
• One major reason why synthetic lubricants are being more widely adopted is because of their increased thermal and oxidative stability compared to conventional lubricants. Synthetic lubricants may be used in equipment such as harvesters, skidders and loaders that can experience large temperature variations and very heavy operational cycles. The use of synthetic oils; PAO (Polyalphaolefin)-based products allows for longer drain intervals, lower volatility and greater low temperature fluidity which are critical to the operation of forestry machinery operating in sub-zero conditions like Canada and Scandinavia.
  
• Another significant contributor to the leadership of synthetic lubricants in the forestry lubricants sector is the continual introduction of new formulations by the manufacturers to address the specific lubricant needs of forestry equipment such as chains, gear boxes, hydraulic systems, and bars/chains. These newly created formulations include many enhancements, such as anti-wear additives, water-resistant characteristics and detergent type additives that help extend the life of machinery and reduce downtime; both of which are highly valued in remote logging operations with limited technical support.
  

Based on end use, the forestry lubricants market is segmented into OEMs, sawmills, paper & paperboard mills, wood products manufacturing units, logging / harvesting companies, biomass pellet mills, pulp mills, forest contractors / operators, timber transport services, others. The OEMs segment held a substantial market share of 14% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% during 2026-2035.

• The high volume of lubricant usage for different machinery used in the core harvesting process leads to most of this segment's lubricant demand. Due to the extensive amount of time that equipment operates in rugged, remote forest environments, logging operations rely heavily on various types of lubricants to maintain the delivery of uninterrupted performance in several critical systems including hydraulic systems, engines, and chain drives. The sheer volume of daily chain saw use in the logging industry results in significant demand for high-viscosity chain oil and environmentally friendly bar oil (biodegradable), particularly in areas with strict environmental legislation.
  
• In addition, as logging companies seek to maximize production and efficiency, an increasing number of logging companies are utilizing more synthetic and bio-based lubricants that provide extended service intervals, better resistance to water washout, and improved wear protection. This increase in synthetic and bio-based lubricant use can be seen in large commercial logging ventures in North America, Scandinavia, and Russia, where machine utilization rates are extremely high and downtime is costly.
  
• Additionally, the increase in mechanized forestry and precision forestry is creating continued lubricant demand in this segment, and logged firm are now investing in GPS-enabled and/or sensor-integrated machinery that also requires high-grade lubricant to ensure proper functioning of both mechanical and electronic/hydraulic components throughout prolonged mechanical usage.

The North America forestry lubricants industry is growing rapidly on the global level with a market share of 31% in 2025.

• North America's forestry lubricants market is led by high mechanization, especially in the U.S. and Canada, with strong adoption of synthetic high-performance lubricants. Environmental policies and cold climate conditions drive demand for low-temperature fluids, while OEM collaborations and technological integration support predictive maintenance and extended equipment life in remote logging operations.
  

U.S. dominates the North America forestry lubricants market, showcasing strong growth potential.

• In the U.S., the market is growing rapidly due in part to increased awareness of environmental issues related to oil consumption, and growing demand for bio-based oils from various sectors including agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.
  

Europe Forestry lubricants market leads the industry with revenue of USD 1.4 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• Europe's market is driven by strict environmental regulations, strong demand for biodegradable and ecolabel-compliant products, and widespread adoption of mechanized and precision forestry in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Finland. Regional players focus on sustainable innovation, while OEM partnerships promote specialized, high-performance lubricants tailored for eco-sensitive forestry operations.
  

The Asia Pacific forestry lubricants market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the analysis timeframe.

• The fastest growing region in the world for forestry lubricants is APAC. The rapid development of forestry, through increased afforestation, plantation development and mechanization, in countries such as China, India and Southeast Asia is creating demand for synthetic and bio-degradable lubricants. As more countries develop and implement environmental regulations, the need for synthetic and biodegradable lubricants is increasing.
  

Latin America forestry lubricants accounted for 12.1% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show highest growth over the forecast period.

• LATAM's forestry lubricant market is experiencing significant growth due to increased investment in timber exporting, pulp & paper mills and Sawmills; especially in Bolivia and Chile, supported by government incentives in the development of mechanized equipment and syn-blends to meet growing demand. Several key challenges facing this sector include availability of products on an uneven basis and limited knowledge among small logging contractors who may benefit from these lubricants.
  

Middle East & Africa forestry lubricants accounted for 7.8% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• The MEA forestry lubricant market is still in its infancy but is also developing rapidly. In South Africa, Kenya and Ghana, the rapid growth, caused by increased investment in afforestation and wood-related industries, is driving demand for newly developed hydraulic and engine oil from the increased use of technologically-advanced harvesters; however, infrastructure limitations, coupled with supply chain issues, are most significant challenges to this sector entering these markets.
  

Forestry Lubricants Market Share

The global forestry lubricants industry has a moderate level of consolidation with a few large manufacturers that have significant market share. As of the end of 2024, the five largest manufacturers in the industry (ExxonMobil, Shell plc, Chevron, Fuchs Petrolub SE, and Klüber Lubrication) account for approximately 40% of the total market. The strength of these companies lies in their extensive product offerings, world-wide presence, and strong relationships with OEMs in the forestry equipment industry.

ExxonMobil is the largest player in the global forestry lubricants market with its Mobil SHC and Mobilgrease lines of products. ExxonMobil focuses on providing performance-based synthetic lubricants for high-load applications used in forestry. ExxonMobil also makes significant investments in research and development, as well as strategic alliances with OEMs, particularly in North America and Europe.

Fuchs Petrolub SE and Klüber Lubrication have both focused on niche product innovation and customized lubrication solutions. They both manufacture low toxicity/high-performance products used for hydraulic systems, paper machine lubrication, and chainsaw chain lubrication. Fuchs and Klüber are both pushing marketing programs focused on sustainability, and both companies are expanding into APAC and LATAM through specialized dealer networks and partnerships with regional OEMs.

• ExxonMobil Corporation: With a diverse selection of high-performance synthetic lubrication products designed for agricultural forestry operations, ExxonMobil is the foremost supplier of lubricant products to forestry on a global basis. Their Mobil branded products include Mobil DTE hydraulic oil, Mobil SHC Synthetic, Mobil Shea Shea grease series, and Exxon Mobil’s many other lines of lubricant products designed specifically for heavy use associated with forestry harvesting machines. ExxonMobil has developed many OEM alliances as well as a leadership position in technology by way of their ongoing R&D work and the introduction of products specifically designed for certain market applications.
  
• Shell plc: Shell has created an extensive line of several different hydraulic and grease lubricants designed to deliver maximum performance when used in forestry applications. As a leading provider of bio-lubricant products and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized EAL partner, Shell can offer customers an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based products. Additionally, Shell’s focus is to drive value to the customer using cutting-edge digital technologies such as LubeAnalyst and LubeMatch, enabling customers to optimise their operations by increasing the availability and reliability of their equipment while providing a full range of management capabilities throughout the entire lubricant lifecycle.
  
• Chevron Corporation: Chevron continues to offer exceptional performance and value to customers through its Delo and Havoline brands. Chevron focuses heavily on the development of synthetic blend products for the application of forestry transmissions, forestry chains, and forestry hydraulic systems. Chevron has made aggressive progress into both Latin America and Asia-Pacific while leveraging its large footprint of already established fuel distribution networks and partnerships with equipment manufacturers.
  
• Fuchs Petrolub SE: Fuchs specializes in developing high-performance lubricants that are manufactured for specific uses. Examples include the bio lubricants Renolin and Planto. The company is built upon an extensive network of industrial partnerships and educates customers. The company also is focusing on the European market because of regulatory requirements mandating the use of eco-labeled lubricants for forestry applications.
  
• Klüber Lubrication: The Klüber Lubrication company develops and produces high-quality premium specialty lubricants. An example is the Klüberbio series intended to be used on chainsaw guide bars or on marine-grade tools used in forestry. Klüber's primary competitive advantage is based on the custom development of its lubricants, sustainable manufacturing methods, and partnerships with end-users such as mills, OEMs, and contractors to develop energy-efficient, low wear systems.
  

Forestry Lubricants Market Companies

Major players operating in the forestry lubricants industry include:

• Amsoil Inc.
• Bioblend Renewable Resources
• BP plc (Castrol)
• Chevron Corporation
• China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp)
• Elba Lubrication Inc.
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Frontier Performance Lubricants
• Fuchs Petrolub SE
• Klondike Lubricants Corporation
• Klüber Lubrication
• Lubrizol Corporation
• Penine Lubricants
• Petro-Canada Lubricants
• Petronas Lubricants International (PLI)
• Phillips 66 Company
• Repsol S.A.
• Rymax Lubricants
• Shell plc
• TotalEnergies SE

Forestry Lubricants Industry News

• In November 2024, Shell debuted its environmentally-friendly Shell bio-chain ultra series of bar and chain oils in Europe, aimed at sustainable forestry operations that comply with EU EcoLabel requirements.
  
• In October 2024, Fuchs Petrolub SE announced a range expansion of its PlantoHyd product line to Southeast Asia by creating a new biodegradable hydraulic oil for use in tropical forestry environments.
  
• In September 2024, ExxonMobil collaborated with Tigercat Equipment, an equipment manufacturer, to develop synthetic lubricants specifically designed for high-torque logging machines used in Canadian forests.
  
• In July 2024, Klüber Lubrication released an updated version of Klüberbio C2-100, an eco-friendly biodegradable chain oil that claims to offer better tackiness than before; and 200+ hours of water-resistant tested usage in sawmill simulations.
  
• In Jun 2024, Chevron expanded the reach of the Delo 600 Diesel Engine Oil through its distributor agreement program with Brazil’s forestry fleet operators: targeted at independent timber/logging contractors.
  
• In May 2024, Petro-Canada Lubricants initiated a targeted marketing program that focuses on informing potential customers about the environmental benefits (i.e., reduced lifecycle costs for biomass pellet producers) of its Enviro-Syn line of forestry oils.
  

This forestry lubricants market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2026 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Synthetic
• Synthetic blend oil
• Bio-based
• Mineral

Market, By Application

• Engine Lubrication
• Transmission & Gear Oils
• Hydraulic Fluids
• Greases
  • Pin & Bushing Greases
  • Bearing Greases
• Chain Oils / Saw Guide Oils
• Paper Machine Oils
  • Circulating Oils
  • Specialty Paper Machine Oils
• Compressor Oils
• Coolants / Antifreeze
• Others
  • Slideway Oils
  • Rust Preventives
  • Open Gear Lubricants

Market, By End Use

• OEMs
• Sawmills
• Paper & Paperboard Mills
• Wood Products Manufacturing Units
• Logging / Harvesting Companies
• Biomass Pellet Mills
• Pulp Mills
• Forest Contractors / Operators
• Timber Transport Services
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa