SHANGHAI, Oct 26 (SMM) – Average operating rates across Chinese lead-acid battery producers edged down on the week as weaker demand from end-users lowered plants' producing enthusiasm, SMM research found.

Rates averaged 69.22% for the week ended Friday October 26, down 0.12 percentage point from a week ago, SMM data showed. 

Thin consumption was seen in auto battery market this week, with distributors only purchasing on demand when lead price dipped at the start of the week. Some auto battery producers lowered operating rates on fewer orders. 

While actual consumption also cooled in electric bike battery market, large-sized plants operated at a relatively higher rate in order to fulfil backlogged orders.