SHANGHAI, July 25 (SMM) - According to SMM research, the SMM weekly average operating rate of lead-acid battery plants in the five major provinces last week (June 16-July 22) was 72.93%, up 6.26% from a week ago. According to the survey, due to favourable policies, the demand from electric bicycles and automobile batteries improved significantly. At the same time, the demand for battery replacement also improved due to the market recovery from the pandemic and the high temperature. Manufacturers will increase the production amid the improved consumption and the approaching peak season in August and September. In addition, as the lead prices rebounded while the prices of tin, sulphuric acid, plastics and other materials fell, the cost pressure of battery companies declined, which also led to the increase in the operating rates.