Operating Rates of Lead-acid Battery Plants Flat on Week

SHANGHAI, Jul 30 (SMM) - Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces stood largely flat at 69.41% on the week as of Friday July 30.

The lead-acid battery market has gradually entered the traditional peak season, and orders from manufacturers have improved. Most companies chose to digest inventories first, so the production did not increase significantly.

On the other hand, the exports stood low against the growing domestic demand. The ships to Africa, Europe, and US were in shortage, which drove up the prices of containers. The rising costs suppressed the battery exports, and the operating rates of some companies in Guangdong were between 50-60%.

Some companies are planning to increase production next week for the peak season in August, and the operating rates may go up.