Battery Separator Output Rose 1% MoM in April Despite Weak End Demand

SHANGHAI, May 22 (SMM) - China produced 838 million m² of battery separator in April, up 1% MoM and 2% YoY. In the first half of April, the lithium battery market was sluggish, and the market players were bearish on the future demand, pushing up battery inventory and thus further reducing battery separator demand. The separator producers thus maintained low operating rates. In mid-to-late April, downstream demand, especially the demand from energy storage sector, recovered, leading to a slight rise in separator demand and production.

The battery separator output will be 941 million m² in May, up 12% MoM and 7% YoY.

Battery separator prices were stable in April because of the poor downstream demand, and the prices may fall under pressure in May amid the slight recovery of terminal demand and a price drop in raw materials.