Japan Major Battery Makers Post Higher Profit in Oct-Dec

Japanese 3 major battery makers’ consolidated operating profit increased for October-December 2009 from the same period of 2008, which increased for the first time in 4 quarters. The battery demand increased for new automobile since autumn and the demand for replacement was firm.

The battery makers’ profit decreased in April-June when lead price increased and the battery demand decreased under low automobile production. The shipment of the battery for replacement remained low for July-September due to the seasonal factor. However, the demand increased in October-December when the users increased the inventory.

Japanese battery shipment showed year-on-year decrease from August 2008 through October 2009 and the shipment showed first increase in 16 months in November 2009, according to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.