SMM

SMM November 18: Dealers in Hubei reported that replacement demand in the automotive battery market has not improved significantly, with battery inventory remaining at around two months. Additionally, due to the earlier rise in lead prices, manufacturers notified an increase in battery selling prices for November. However, with lead prices pulling back recently, expectations for price hikes in the wholesale battery market may fade. Manufacturers in Zhejiang indicated weak demand in the automotive battery market, particularly due to factors such as tariffs, which have halved export orders. Currently, the operating rate at factories is only around 50%, and raw material lead is procured through long-term contracts. Manufacturers in Guangdong reported moderate demand in the domestic automotive battery market, coupled with poor export orders. As a result, factories are producing based on sales, with production line operating rates at 70-80%, and raw material lead is purchased as needed.