Japan Pb Battery Production Hits First Increase in 3-Month

Japanese automotive lead battery production increased in January for the first time in 3 months in year to year basis, according to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The production increased by 7.6% to 2.015 million units or 15,464 tonnes in lead volume. The output increased due to seasonal higher replacement demand in cold weather.

The production in January hit more than 2 million units for the first time since January 2008. The sales increased by 4% to 2.145 million units or 15,897 tonnes in lead volume, which increased for 2 months in a row to reflect seasonal higher demand.

The production decreased due to lower automobile output just after Thai flood. The production was lower in November than the figure in October while the production normally peaks in November.

The production was higher in December-January than originally estimated due to cold weather. The production in January was higher than 2.012 million units in December while the production normally decreases by 10-20% from December to January. The inventory was 1.784 million units at the end of January, which decreased for 3 months in a row in month to month basis.