Lead-acid battery makers operating rate lower on closure for holiday 

SHANGHAI, Jan 17 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces averaged 48.87% in the week ended January 17, down 5.31 percentage points from the previous week, showed SMM data.

This marked a fourth consecutive week of decline in battery maker operations. Distributors have finished restocking for the Chinese New Year holiday. Suspension of logistics starting from this week also prevented lead-acid battery makers from making long-distance delivery, who only maintained shipments to nearby areas. 

Lead-acid battery producers have gradually suspend operations this week, with most companies planning to exit the market for Chinese New Year holidays on January 18. Large-scale producers will be away for the holidays no later than January 23.