Key Insights From Lubricant Expo North America by ABN Resource
The Lubricant Expo North America 2025 brought together industry leaders, suppliers, and key personnel from the US lubricant sector to discuss emerging trends, opportunities and networking. For James Moorhouse, Director, and Kate Patterson, USA Delivery Consultant at ABN Resource, the event was a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the market while exploring the future of lubricant supply chains, talent acquisition, and growth opportunities within the sector.
The Impact of Tariffs
One of the standout themes at the expo was the discussion around tariffs and their potential impact on the lubricants industry. James Moorhouse observed that tariffs were a major talking point, with mixed opinions.
“There was a lot of chatter about how tariffs affect the sector, particularly regarding supply chains, product demand, and trading practices. For some, tariffs represent a significant challenge — an added layer of complexity for an already intricate industry. But for others, it’s seen as an opportunity to rethink supply chain strategies and innovate in ways that could lead to growth,” said James.
The impact of tariffs was also discussed in the latest Lubes’n’Greases issue, highlighting the proposed 10% levy on Canadian base oils and finished lubricants. The article outlines how the U.S. imports significant volumes of base oil from Canada, making it a key supplier. While the tariffs were initially planned as part of broader trade measures, they were temporarily rolled back following discussions between U.S., Canadian, and Mexican leaders. Economists warn that such tariffs could raise prices in the U.S. and lead to retaliatory measures from trade partners like Canada and Mexico. China has already launched counter-tariffs.
Raising Awareness and Promoting Careers in Lubricants
Another key insight from the Lubricant Expo was the growing desire for the lubricants sector to raise awareness of the career opportunities it offers. Both James and Kate highlighted how important it is for the industry to attract new talent, particularly younger professionals.
“There’s so much to be done in this sector, from technical innovation to commercial strategy. It’s a sector that offers a wide range of career paths, but unfortunately, not enough people realise the scope of these opportunities,” said Kate Patterson.
The ILMA (Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association) is already making strides to address this, with its “Gear Your Career”. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the lubricants industry and encourage young professionals to consider it a rewarding long-term career option.
James echoed Kate’s sentiment, adding, “The industry does a lot of behind-the-scenes work that most people aren’t aware of. The ‘Gear Your Career’ project is a fantastic example of how ILMA is helping to shine a light on the diversity of roles and career options available in the sector.”
High-Quality Meetings and Exciting Recruitment Projects
ABN Resource’s presence at the Lubricant Expo also allowed James and Kate to participate in some highly productive meetings, with many industry leaders discussing key recruitment needs and upcoming talent searches.
“The quality of the meetings we had was excellent. We’re seeing an increasing demand for leadership and commercial talent within the lubricants and additives space,” James shared. “There are some exciting recruitment projects live and on the horizon, especially in the areas of commercial leadership and additive technology.”
The demand for skilled professionals in the lubricants and additives sector is expected to increase, particularly in light of the industry’s drive toward innovation and sustainability. “The need for leaders, technical and commercial additive experts, is increasing,” said James. “Companies are seeking individuals who can help them deliver on growth objectives, making it an exciting time to join. The work these new hires will do, makes a real impact on the organisation they go to work for.”
Didn’t get a chance to connect with James and Kate at the Lubricant Expo North America? No worries — schedule your conversation today!
