Operating rates at lead-acid battery makers inched up to 63.69%

SHANGHAI, Jul 3 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces averaged 63.69% in the week ended July 3, up 0.27 percentage point from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

The moderate uptick was due to some large and medium-sized producers ramping up production in anticipation of a traditional high season in July-to-August. Expectations of a hike in prices, meanwhile, prompted some retailers of electric-bike batteries to step up procurement.

There has yet to be signs of a substantial improvement in end-user lead-acid battery consumption, however. And heavy rainfalls in some regions gave a hit to sales at distributors.

Lead restocking activity across lead-acid battery producers was not strong after the Dragon Boat Festival as small and medium-sized producers were shut for up to three days for the holiday.