SHANGHAI, Jan 21 (SMM) – Operating rates at lead-acid battery producers across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hebei provinces dipped 0.57 percentage point from the previous week and averaged 61.5% in the week through January 18, showed SMM data.

Some shipping companies in more remote regions closed for Chinese New Year (CNY) and this reduced procurement by battery distributors.

Battery producers slowed production after they completed stockpiling finished goods for CNY.

SMM expects operating rates across lead-acid battery producers to extend declines this week as small battery producers would begin their CNY break and as larger producers further slow production.