SHANGHAI, Jan 8 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces dropped to 74.36% in the week ended January 8.

Demand for lead-acid battery from distributors was tepid this week, while that from auto makers and exporters was moderate. Most of the battery makers in Anhui, Jiangsu, Guangdong and Chongqing kept stable production this week. However, producers in Hebei Shijiazhuang suspended production during January 6-9, as COVID-19 cases resurged in the place. Although production at battery makers in Hebei Baoding have not been affected yet, their transport of lead ingots and batteries was restricted.