Operating rates at lead-acid battery producers hold stable

SHANGHAI, Nov 23 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei averaged 67.18% in the week through November 23, unchanged from the previous week, SMM data showed.

Even as consumption weakened across the lead-acid battery markets, large battery producers are likely to maintain high operating rates into mid-December as they rush to meet annual sales and production targets.

Operating rates across smaller battery producers are likely to decrease as gains in inventories of finished goods keep them cautious about production. Most small battery producers decide their output based on orders they receive.

Labour issues kept some producers in Henan from operating at full capacity this week, which might lower November’s average operating rate across lead-acid battery producers in China.