ILMA Compoundings February 2018 - 15

Posted Price Trends for Two Group I Producers and Two Group II Producers

5.75

3.4

5.5

3.3

5.25

3.2

5

3.1

4.75

3

4.5

2.9

4.25

2.8

4

2.7

3.75

2.6

3.5

2.5

3.25

2.4

3
Jan
2017

Mar
2017

May
2017

Jul
2017

Sep
2017

Nov
2017

USD/US gal

USD/US gal

Base Oils Group I Exxon GC Brightstock FOB USG Posted Price Outright (USD/US gal)
Base Oils Group I PRC East Coast 500 FOB USEC Posted Price Outright (USD/US gal)
Base Oils Group II FHR GC 75/80 FOB USG Posted Price Outright (USD/US gal)
Base Oils Group II Calumet 145/150 FOB Shreveport Posted Price Outright (USD/US gal)

2.3

©2017 ICIS

Group II Export Price Trends as Refreshed Supply Exerts Downward Pressure
Base Oils Paraffinic Group II N100/120 FOB USG Assessment Export Spot 2-6 Weeks (Mid)
Base Oils Paraffinic Group II N200/220 FOB USG Assessment Export Spot 2-6 Weeks (Mid)
Base Oils Paraffinic Group II N600 FOB USG Assessment Export Spot 2-6 Weeks (Mid)
3

USD/US gal

2.75
2.5
2.25
2
1.75
1.5
Jan
2017

Mar
2017

May
2017

Jul
2017

Sep
2017

Nov
2017

©2017 ICIS

Alongside this, the ACA is high on the list of concerns,
especially for the small business owners within the ILMA
membership. "Many of our members are very concerned
about being able to provide health care benefits to employees," Alfano said. Underpinning this issue is the unprecedented rise in the cost of health care benefits, which is attacking
both the employee and the employer. But, while no legislation
has fully repealed the ACA, the tax reform bill has effectively
eliminated the individual health care mandate.
Alfano also cited the exponential rise in the number of
new regulatory mandates that developed under the previous
presidential administration, comparing it with the reductions evolving as the current administration in Washington,
D.C., works to minimize the increase in regulations.
Trade agreements gained a spot in the concern list because
ILMA members hope to see more transparency within the
movement of base oils and finished lubricants. Alfano cited
one example: There is no clear delineation between finished
lubes - for example, motor oils - and Group III base oils in
the current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

2018: MEXICO LUBRICANT MARKET ESTABLISHING
QUALITY GUIDELINES
The Mexican lubricant market is for the first time in the
process of establishing quality guidelines to regulate oils
and greases, Victor Franco Paredes, operations director at
LUBRAL, said at the 13th ICIS Pan American Base Oil
conference. This is one of the key items forthcoming in
2018, Paredes said.
GROUP III LOOMS LARGE FOR 2018
2017 did not wind down - it slammed shut on the cusp of
a race into 2018, when Group III base oils will continue to
be a growing factor in the motor oil and lubricant markets.
The move into premium oils is here, driven by the need to
meet the requirements of the modernization of the automotive, heavy duty and other transport industries.
Taylor is senior editor manager for ICIS. She may be
reached at 713-525-2607 or judith.taylor@icis.com.

15
ILMA Compoundings February 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ILMA Compoundings February 2018
