The end-use consumption in the lead-acid battery market remained sluggish, with producers adopting a produce-based-on-sales strategy. [SMM Lead-Acid Battery Weekly Operation Review]

Published: Apr 25, 2025 16:42

Save

It is reported that the weekly comprehensive operating rate of lead-acid battery producers in five provinces monitored by SMM was 73.56% from April 19 to April 25, 2025, up 1.06 percentage points WoW. End-use consumption in the lead-acid battery market for e-bikes and automobiles remained sluggish, with dealers being cautious in procurement, leading to significant sales pressure for battery producers and relatively frequent adjustments in production line operating rates. Last week, some lead-acid battery producers took 2-5 days off to reduce inventory pressure, and this week, these producers resumed normal operations, contributing to a certain increase in the weekly operating rate. Additionally, new production cuts emerged among lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions this week, resulting in a decline in regional operating rates. Next week, as the Labour Day holiday approaches, producers plan to take days off, and major enterprises are currently negotiating, with expected holiday durations ranging from 1 to 3 days, and possibly longer for a few enterprises.

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

Feb 6, 2026 19:50

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.

Feb 6, 2026 19:50

Feb 6, 2026 19:49

"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.

Feb 6, 2026 19:49

Feb 6, 2026 19:48

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.

Feb 6, 2026 19:48