SMM January 3 Automotive Battery Market Overview [SMM Evening News]

Published: Jan 3, 2025 18:05
SMM January 3 News: Dealers in Hunan reported that the traditional peak season for the automotive lead-acid battery market has not performed well, with battery sales remaining flat. Considering the suspension of logistics during the Chinese New Year, current battery inventory is expected to increase to over one and a half months. Additionally, the wholesale price for the main model 6-QW-60Ah is 260-280 yuan per unit.

Manufacturers in Zhejiang reported stable replacement demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market, while export orders for batteries have declined. Currently, the factory operating rate is around 90%, and raw material lead is purchased as needed.

Manufacturers in Hebei reported a relatively weaker consumption in the automotive lead-acid battery market. Coupled with the resolution of the previous push for the annual target at year-end, finished battery inventory has slightly increased. Starting in January, battery production has been slightly adjusted downward, with factory production line operating rates near 90%.

》Subscribe to view SMM historical spot metal prices

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
18 hours ago
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Read More
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Lead prices were in the doldrums, while secondary lead smelters maintained firm offers due to losses. The mainstream spot order ex-factory prices including tax narrowed the discount to the SMM #1 lead average price by 100 yuan/mt, shifting to a premium of 0–25 yuan/mt, with some smelters halting offers and sales.
18 hours ago
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
18 hours ago
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Read More
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Pre-holiday stockpiling by downstream enterprises had largely concluded, and a few had already entered the holiday period, completely suspending procurement. Next week, secondary lead smelters will enter a concentrated wave of production halts and holidays, resulting in sluggish trading activity in the spot market. Offers for spot refined lead orders were sparse, with prices moving in line with the market.
18 hours ago
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
18 hours ago
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Read More
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
The domestic secondary crude lead market experienced sluggish transactions. As of February 6, 2026, the ex-factory tax-exclusive offers for domestic secondary crude lead stood at 15,250-15,400 yuan/mt. Downstream refined lead and alloy smelters gradually entered the holiday period, showing weak stockpiling willingness. Overseas lead ingot suppliers basically halted transactions with China due to poor consumption in the Chinese market, with only some previously concluded shipments maintaining normal in-transit transportation. The trading atmosphere in the secondary crude lead market will continue to weaken next week.
18 hours ago