SMM October 28 Automotive Battery Market Summary [SMM Evening News]

SMM October 28: Dealers in Jiangxi reported sluggish replacement demand in the automotive battery market, with slow digestion of battery supply. Current battery inventory remains at only two months. Additionally, although lead prices have risen, battery wholesale prices struggle to catch up—for example, the main model 6-QW-45Ah is priced at 160-180 yuan per unit. Manufacturers in Hubei indicated moderate demand in the automotive battery market, with dealers purchasing as needed. Finished battery inventory is relatively high. Due to the recent significant increase in lead prices, which raised battery production costs, the company plans equipment maintenance at month-end, expected to last seven days. Manufacturers in Zhejiang reported moderate domestic sales orders for automotive batteries. However, affected by the price difference between domestic and international lead and tariff policies, export orders for batteries continue to weaken. The current operating rate is maintained at 80-90%, with raw material lead primarily procured through long-term contracts.