SHANGHAI, Oct 22 (SMM) – Average operating rates across Chinese lead-acid battery producers edged up last week as relatively low stocks of finished goods prompted them to maintain stable operation, SMM research found.

Rates averaged 69.34% as of Friday October 19, up 0.44 percentage point from a week ago, SMM data showed.

As brisk orders received in the high season depleted stocks of finished products, battery producers maintained steady operation to grow stocks. Decreasing lead prices also prompted them to restock some raw materials.

Operation rates across some medium-sized and small producers edged down last week as purchasing enthusiasm across distributors cooled down amid declining demand for battery replacement in the colder weather and as producers had fulfilled their backlogged orders.