China Lead-Acid Battery Imports up 3.47% YoY, While Exports down 11.71% YoY in March 2017, SMM Reports

Published: May 2, 2017 11:34
China imported 928,800 of lead-acid batteries in March 2017, up 29.87% MoM and 3.47% YoY, and exported 14.01 million, up 85.13% MoM and down 11.71% YoY.

SHANGHAI, May 2 (SMM) - China imported 928,800 of lead-acid batteries in March 2017, up 29.87% MoM and 3.47% YoY, according to China Customs, including 233,400 of ignition lead-acid batteries, up 8.18% MoM and 695,300 of other lead-acid batteries, up 39.24% MoM. Imports of lead-acid battery totaled 2.35 million in January-March, 2017, up 20.13% YoY.
Lead-acid battery demand increased gradually in March with effect from 2017 Chinese New Year subsiding, growing imports. Imports of other lead-acid batteries rose to normal level, while growth of ignition battery was restricted by poor demand at auto market and high inventory. 
China’s exports of lead acid battery were 14.01 million in the month, up 85.13% MoM and down 11.71% YoY. Exports of ignition lead-acid battery were 1.99 million, up 65.62% MoM and 36.47% YoY, and those of other batteries were 12.02 million, up 88.82% MoM but down 16.59% YoY. China exported a total of 40.49 million of lead-acid battery in January-March, down 18.2% YoY. 
Chinese lead-acid battery producers resumed normal production in March as effect from 2017 Chinese New Year holiday subsided. Moreover, lowering inventories at foreign buyers’ hand and positive economies in Europe and the US boosted battery demand, sending battery exports up sharply on a monthly basis. However, as policies changed, more and more domestic battery producers built plant at overseas, slashing battery exports on a yearly basis. This, combined with lower battery price in some countries, such as South Korea, led to falling battery export in March and the first quarter of 2017 on a yearly basis. 
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China Lead-Acid Battery Imports up 3.47% YoY, While Exports down 11.71% YoY in March 2017, SMM Reports - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)