Japan Pb Battery Production Hits First Drop in 4 Months

Japanese automotive lead battery production decreased in November from a year earlier for the first time in 4 months, announced by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The production decreased by 5% to 2.277 million units. The makers apparently reduced the production to adjust 3-year high level of overstock.

The lead battery production decreased by 4.9% to 17,454 tonnes in lead volume in November from a year earlier. The sales decreased by 3.2% to 2.319 million units or 17,971 tonnes of lead. The inventory decreased by 1% to 2.676 million units or 14,110 tonnes of lead at the end of November from October.

Japanese battery makers started full capacity operation in September-October to prepare for seasonal higher replacement demand in winter. However, the makers apparently revised the production plan downward under the overstock and slower automobile output caused by Thai flood.