There have not been any particular developments in the different regions around the world. Activity levels remain subdued, and rates are soft all over.-by Adrian Brown

Xinxiang Richful Lube Additive Co., a Chinese additives supplier, plans to focus more on emerging markets because of the U.S. governments recent decision to raise tariffs on a range of Chinese imports, including lubricants and lube additives.

The Asia-Pacific region will shift to lighter viscosity grade engine oils faster than the North American market did in the 1990s, partly due to a faster growing and younger car parc and greater availability of API Group II and III base oils, according to industry insiders.

Japans Mitsui Chemicals plans to build a second plant in Japan for the production of its ethylene alpha olefin viscosity modifiers, according to a press release issued last week. This move will double the companys capacity to make the fluids, which are marketed under the Lucant brand name.

Chinese coal giant Shanxi LuAn Group issued a statement Saturday denying a recent report that its 50-50 joint venture with Shanghai-based Naco Lubrication Inc. is over-extended with debt.