SHANGHAI, Feb 18 (SMM) – Operating rates at lead-acid battery producers across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hebei provinces declined by 3.97 percentage points from the last week before the Lunar New Year holiday and averaged 38.56% in the week through February 15, showed SMM data.
While some producers of lead–acid batteries for automobiles resumed operation on February 8, most lead-acid battery producers restarted around Tuesday February 12.
A lack of workers and fewer working days lowered the weekly operating rates across lead-acid battery producers.
Battery producers did not purchase lead earlier in the week given adequate pre-holiday stockpiles.
With more plants returning from holidays, operating rates across lead-acid battery producers are expected to rebound this week.
![Complex Macro Environment; Lead Prices Are Expected to Remain in the Doldrums [SMM Lead Market Weekly Forecast]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/TmYox20251217171721.jpeg)
![Post-Holiday Supply and Demand Both Increased, Primary Lead Enterprise Plant Inventory Turned to a Decline [SMM Primary Lead Inventory Weekly Review]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/ojSqv20251217171720.jpeg)
