SHANGHAI, Jul 24 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces averaged 65.71% in the week ended July 24, flat from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

Purchases by distributors improved, on the back of relatively high prices of lead and a rise in demand for automobile battery swapping in some regions as the floods receded and the weather turned hot. 

Export orders of battery also recovered with the reopening of overseas economies. Inventory pressure eased at some battery producers, and this supported their production.

Some battery plants in Henan (not covered in SMM sample enterprises) resumed production this week after the break for the farming season.