CNY holiday lowers operating rates of lead-acid battery producers on week

SHANGHAI, Jan 25 (SMM) – Operating rates at lead-acid battery producers across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hebei provinces dipped 1.56 percentage points from the previous week and averaged 59.94% in the week through January 25, showed SMM data.

This week, most medium-sized and small lead-acid battery plants closed for CNY, which accounted for the lower rate. Operating rate in Jianxi declined 7.53 percentage points on the week. 

Except several companies that will maintain regular operation until the eve of CNY, large mills are mostly expected to begin their CNY breaks before the end of January. SMM expects this to significantly lower the operating rate next week.