SHANGHAI, Mar 18 (SMM) – Operating rates at lead-acid battery producers across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hebei provinces edged up 0.58 percentage point week on week and averaged 57.17% in the week through Friday March 15, showed SMM data.

A seasonal lull in the lead-acid battery market kept operating rates barely changed in most areas last week. As the lead market extended its decline, battery producers widened discounts to promote sales. 

Rates across lead-acid battery producers in Zhejiang increased by 1.3 percentage points last week, as smaller inventory pressure of finished products and adequate labour allowed large battery producers to step up production. 

National new standards for electric bikes, effective in April, will prompt battery producers to pursue lightweight design. Based on the production cycle, they are expected to produce new lightweight batteries next week at the earliest, if they plan to sell them by April 15.