Global demand for rubber mechanical goods is forecast to advance 6.3% per year to $76.7 billion in 2021. Although this rate of growth is a major improvement over the weak 2011-2016 pace, it is in line with the anticipated gains for the market as a whole.

Automotive lubricant demand in India is forecast to increase 5.5% annually through 2021 to 1.7 million metric tons. In addition to growth in the country’s light vehicle usage, India’s rapidly expanding motor vehicle production will support demand.

Demand for silicone elastomers is projected to expand at an above average 4.4% per year to $1.8 billion in 2022. Growth will be driven by opportunities for specialized elastomers – such as LSR – in markets with more demanding performance requirements, including motor vehicle and other transportation outlets, as well as the medical market.

Lubricant sales in the Canadian off-highway equipment market are anticipated to rise 1.1% per year from 102,000 metric tons in 2016 to 108,000 metric tons in 2021. Canada is an intensive user of off-highway equipment due to the massive size of the country’s construction, agricultural, and mining sectors.

The North American truck aftermarket for electrical and electronic products will expand 4.3% per annum through 2021 to US$8.6 billion. Sales are nearly evenly split between the two major product segments: electrical and electronic.

Plastics processing machinery demand in China is projected to advance 5.1% per year to $10.8 billion in 2021. Growth is being driven by the country’s rising middle class and its demand for more premium plastic goods, which is forcing plastics processors to purchase higher-end machines.

Demand in Malaysia for engine oil is forecast to increase 2.9% per year to 202,000 metric tons in 2021. Growth will be supported by: • longer average annual distance traveled by light vehicles as well as by medium and heavy trucks and buses • increasing motor vehicle ownership and usage • consumers’ tendency to follow OEM guidelines regarding oil drain intervals

Refractory demand in Spain is forecast to rise 1.0% per year to 232,000 metric tons in 2021. Growth will be supported by a rebound in steel and cement production, and gradual increases in the production of copper and iron.

Demand for synthetic automotive lubricants in the UK is forecast to rise 2.2% per year to 126,000 metric tons in 2021. Factors supporting demand gains include: • tightening emissions regulations and OEM recommendations that call for low viscosity lubricants • ongoing consumer interest in improving fuel economy • arrival of more modern engines in the vehicle fleet due to vehicle turnover • expanding availability of synthetic blends, which offer many performance advantage of full synthetics at a more affordable price

Global pharmaceutical packaging demand is projected to advance 6.0% per year to $112 billion in 2021. Aging populations, rising levels of acute and chronic conditions, and new product introductions will drive demand.