SMM April 27 news: Dealers in Hunan reported that end-use consumption in the automotive storage battery market remained sluggish, with retailers purchasing cautiously. Current battery inventories exceeded one and a half months. In addition, battery selling prices remained unchanged for the time being, with the main model 6-QW-45Ah priced at 160-180 yuan/unit. Manufacturers in Anhui reported that domestic demand in the automotive storage battery market was mediocre. Coupled with obstructed battery exports, factories reduced their operating rates to 70-80% to ease finished product inventory pressure, and made just-in-time procurement of raw material lead only. Manufacturers in Hebei reported that the off-season trend in the automotive storage battery replacement market intensified, with OEM orders for complete vehicles also weakening. Factory operating rates had dropped to around 80%, and raw material lead procurement was mainly based on long-term contracts, with no need for additional spot orders.
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