Operating rates at lead-acid battery makers unchanged at 74.43%

SHANGHAI, Dec 18 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces averaged 74.43% in the week ended December 18, unchanged from the previous week. 

Consumption of e-bike batteries was sluggish, and finished product inventories continued to build up at battery makers. But they have not reduced output temporarily as they need to prepare stocks before the Chinese New Year. 

Orders at large-scale automotive battery makers have been scheduled to January as output of new vehicles increased. Robust orders for energy storage batteries prompted large-scale producers to operate at full capacity.