Operating rates at lead-acid battery makers dipped on week

SHANGHAI, Oct 16 (SMM) – Operating rates across lead-acid battery producers in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hebei provinces averaged 72.31% in the week ended October 16, down 0.41 percentage point from September 25.

Weakened consumption of lead-acid batteries and lower lead prices drove up risk-off sentiment, deterring distributors from purchasing. Some automotive battery makers have cut output to avoid inventory buildup, while e-bike battery makers kept relatively stable production.