SHANGHAI, Dec 28 (SMM) – Production across primary lead smelters in China held stable in the last week of 2018 as smelters rushed to meet annual production targets.

Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 59.3% in the week through December 28, unchanged from the previous week, SMM data showed.

Smelters are likely to cut output after the New Year’s Day holiday when they no longer rush to meet targets.

Some downstream battery producers may suspend operation earlier than the public holiday for Chinese New Year in early February. This is also set to lower production across smelters.