SMM News, April 2: Dealers in Jiangxi reported no significant change for now in replacement demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market, with retailers only purchasing as needed and battery inventory at around one and a half months. In addition, amid the sharp recent rise in lead prices, talk of sales promotions in the battery wholesale market has weakened, and the mainstream model 6-QW-45Ah was quoted at 180-200 yuan/unit. Manufacturers in Zhejiang reported that domestic demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market was average. Coupled with impeded battery exports due to factors including geopolitical issues, tariffs, and differences in domestic and overseas costs, factories are currently producing based on sales, with the operating rate at around 50-60. Manufacturers in Hebei reported stable demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market, among which vehicle OEM supporting orders were moderate, and factory production lines were running at near full capacity. However, as the traditional consumption off-season in April approaches, subsequent production will be adjusted based on order conditions.

Smart meter deployment in the UK has hit a slump, prompting the government to introduce stricter regulations for energy retailers to ensure full domestic coverage by the end of 2030. While 21.8 million smart electricity meters were operating by the end of 2025, 7.8 million traditional meters still need replacing. To meet the 'Clean Power 2030' target, suppliers must submit binding annual deployment plans to Ofgem, replace outdated 2G and 3G meters before the 2033 network switch-off, and adhere to a strict 90-day window to repair faulty units or face penalties. This regulatory push aligns with the UK's broader efforts to integrate residential batteries and EVs into grid flexibility markets.

SMM News, March 10: Dealers in Hunan reported that end-use consumption in the e-bike lead-acid battery market was average. After retailers restocked following the holiday, battery sales pulled back somewhat. Current battery inventory is maintained at around half a month, and the wholesale price of the main 48V20Ah model is 400 yuan/set. Manufacturers in Jiangxi reported that demand in the electric lead-acid battery market improved in March. In addition, dealers restocked as usual after the holiday, and finished product orders rebounded significantly compared with February. At present, the operating rate of factory production lines is around 80, with raw material lead mainly procured through long-term contracts. Manufacturers in Zhejiang reported that replacement demand in the electric lead-acid battery market improved relatively, with dealers making purchases based on demand. The current factory operating rate has recovered to above 80. In addition, lead prices lacked upward momentum, and spot supply in circulation was ample, so recent procurement has basically been on a buy-as-needed basis.

SMM News on March 9: Dealers in Zhejiang reported a relative improvement in end-use consumption in the automotive lead-acid battery market, mainly due to post-holiday restocking by retailers. Battery inventory declined accordingly, while lead prices struggled to rise, and wholesale prices in the battery market have not seen significant changes for the time being; for example, the mainstream model 6-QW-45Ah was at 200-220 yuan/unit. Manufacturers in Hebei reported that after the holiday, dealers restocked as needed, and automotive lead-acid battery orders improved in March. In addition, factory staff have basically returned to work, and the current operating rate has exceeded 90%. Raw material lead is mainly procured under long-term contract. Manufacturers in Jiangxi reported that domestic demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market improved, while on the export side, affected by the SHFE/LME price ratio for lead, tariffs, and Middle East ocean shipping, export orders remained sluggish, and the current operating rate is maintained at 70-80%.

SMM February 3 News: Dealers in Hunan reported moderate replacement demand in the automotive battery market. Coupled with the approaching year-end, retailers' purchases were limited, and battery inventory exceeded one month. No additional stockpiling will be conducted before the Chinese New Year. The current wholesale price for the main model 6-QW-45Ah is 200-220 yuan per unit. Manufacturers in Guangdong reported that domestic orders for automotive batteries were moderate, while export orders declined significantly due to factors such as tariffs. Recently, the plant operating rate has been maintained around 70%. Additionally, with the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, the production workshop was shut down yesterday. Manufacturers in Zhejiang reported that overall demand in the automotive battery market was weak. Dealers' pre-holiday stockpiling has basically ended. After completing the last shipment recently, the plant will suspend operations on February 8. Furthermore, no procurement of lead ingots is planned before the holiday.

SMM June 18: Dealers in Shandong reported weak replacement demand for e-bike lead-acid batteries in the market, with retailers purchasing as needed and maintaining battery inventory within one week. Meanwhile, rumors of price hikes emerged in the wholesale battery market amid rising lead prices, with the mainstream 48V12Ah model currently priced at 300-310 yuan per unit. Manufacturers in Anhui indicated moderate demand for e-bike lead-acid batteries, with limited OEM orders for complete vehicles. Factories maintained production cuts, with operating rates around 80%, and primarily relied on long-term contracts for raw material lead procurement. Manufacturers in Jiangsu noted a weakening off-season impact on the e-bike lead-acid battery market, with improved finished product orders. Current factory operating rates rebounded to above 80%, while raw material lead was purchased as needed.