January 14, 2004

By: Sandra Ade
Website: http://www.1st-in-batteries.com

Mainland China's battery manufacturers claim dominant share of world primary battery market

Global Sources Ltd. today released a market intelligence report titled Batteries: Supplier Capability in China, which provides an in-depth guide to battery sourcing in mainland China. The 105-page report is produced by Asian Sources Electronic Components magazine that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Global Sources chairman and chief executive officer Merle Hinrichs said: "We are delighted to share this important occasion with so many of our advertisers and readers – the buyers and suppliers who have been driving this industry for the past 25 years."

Commenting on the report, Mark A. Saunderson, publisher of Electronic Components said, "According to the China Industrial Association of Power Sources, mainland China is acknowledged as the leading producer of primary batteries with an annual capacity of 19 billion units. The industry is valued at more than US$4 billion annually. There are estimated to be more than 2,000 manufacturers in the region, 300 of which export. Industry data and Global Sources research point out that battery manufacturers in the mainland are rapidly increasing production of rechargeable batteries. While China currently lags Japan and Korea for rechargeable batteries, the country is expected to become the main producer of these batteries."

Report findings indicate alkaline, NiCd and NiMH batteries as the top export battery products in 2002, totaling US$1.2 billion. Alkaline batteries were the top export products accounting for almost 52 percent of the total batteries exported, while NiCd accounted for 23 percent. Based on data from Goodwill China Business Information Ltd., 74 percent of mainland China's battery exports went to Asian countries, 12 percent to the Americas and 13 percent to Europe. Many companies have formed partnerships and alliances with research and development centers and institutes to develop smaller batteries with higher capacities and lower discharge rates.

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Author Notes:

Sandra Ade contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-batteries.com.  A great resource for batteries of all kinds including camcorder, laptop, cell phone and more.