SHANGHAI, Oct 16 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces averaged 72.31% in the week ended October 16, down 0.41 percentage point from September 25.
Weakened consumption of lead-acid batteries and lower lead prices drove up risk-off sentiment, deterring distributors from purchasing. Some automotive battery makers have cut output to avoid inventory buildup, while e-bike battery makers kept relatively stable production.

![Secondary Lead Prices Inverted Against Primary Lead Prices, Lead Market Fluctuated Amid a Tug-of-War Between Sellers and Buyers [SMM Lead Morning Meeting Minutes]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/xVUpr20251217171722.jpg)
![LME lead fluctuated upward to close higher, while SHFE lead moved downwards after a higher opening and remained in the doldrums [SMM Lead Morning Brief]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/mIbTL20251217171721.jpg)

