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.