SMM

SMM August 18 News: Dealers in Jiangxi reported sluggish end-use consumption in the automotive battery market, coupled with a weak lead price trend. Retailers are only purchasing as needed, leading to slow inventory digestion of batteries. Additionally, the wholesale price for the main model 6-QW-45Ah is 160-180 yuan per unit. Manufacturers in Hebei indicated that overall demand in the automotive battery market is not strong, and finished product orders are weak. To avoid inventory accumulation, the factory operating rate has dropped below 80%, and raw material lead can now be fully met through long-term contracts. Producers in Zhejiang also noted poor demand in the automotive battery market, compounded by weakening export orders. The current factory operating rate is around 80%. Due to high temperatures, the factory has already started its summer break at the beginning of the month.