Weekly lead-acid battery makers operating rate stable at 57.56%

SHANGHAI, Dec 20 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces remained unchanged for a second straight week, at 57.56% in the week ended December 20, showed SMM data.

In view of volatile lead prices, most distributors continued to procure on demand, even as some in remote areas have begun pre-holiday stockpiling to avoid disruptions caused by logistical suspension around the Chinese New Year break.  

As lead prices rallied late in the week, battery producers stepped up purchases, with some beginning pre-holiday stockpiling. Most of those who stockpiled were small and medium-scale firms, while large-scale, listed companies relied on long-term supply contracts as they were under the pressure of funds returning at the end of the year.