SHANGHAI, Sep 21 (SMM) – Operating rates across Chinese manufacturers of lead-acid battery averaged 63.8% over the week ended September 21, barely changed from the previous week, SMM research found.

A traditional high season across the motive and automotive battery markets grew production enthusiasm across those producers from August. Most plants in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces produce motive batteries while those in Hebei and Hubei mainly produce automotive batteries. July-September is the traditional high season for the motive battery market.

Most medium-sized and large manufacturers of motive batteries were not operating in full capacity as consumption might cool down in September-October and as volatile lead prices clouded their outlooks on consumption and prices.