SMM January 16 Automotive Battery Market Summary [SMM Evening Briefing]

SMM January 16: Dealers in Jiangxi reported relatively improved end-use consumption in the automotive battery market. However, due to higher battery purchases during the year-end period, battery inventory remained above two months. Meanwhile, battery selling prices showed no change, with the main model 6-QW-45Ah wholesaling at 160-180 yuan per unit. Manufacturers in Zhejiang indicated moderate domestic demand for automotive batteries. However, battery exports continued to be affected by factors such as differences in lead costs between domestic and international markets and tariffs, resulting in poor performance of export orders. Currently, factories produce based on sales, maintaining their operating rates at around 80%. Manufacturers in Hebei reported that the automotive battery market is in the peak replacement season, with finished product orders stable and rising. Currently, factory production lines are operating at full capacity. Additionally, due to high lead prices, raw material lead procurement is primarily based on long-term contracts.