
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market Analysis
The China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry is expected to grow from USD 311.23 million in 2025 to USD 627.90 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 15.07% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Over the medium term, factors such as rising growth in the automotive sector and the cost-effectiveness of lead-acid batteries are expected to be among the most significant drivers for the China lead-acid battery separator market for SLI applications during the forecast period.
- On the other hand, complex supply chain constraints for manufacturing battery separators threaten the market studied during the forecast period.
- Nevertheless, continued efforts are being made to develop enhanced battery separator materials. This factor is expected to create several opportunities for SLI applications in the China lead-acid battery separator market during the forecast period.
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market Trends
Rising Growth in the Automotive Sector Drives the Market
- China, bolstered by rising vehicle ownership, government backing for local manufacturing, and robust demand for commercial and passenger vehicles, retains its title as the world's largest automotive market. SLI batteries, pivotal for vehicle ignition and auxiliary functions, have solidified their status as the top choice in conventional and hybrid vehicles. This surge in SLI battery adoption fuels the market for lead-acid battery separators, vital components that enhance battery performance and longevity.
- In 2023, sales of passenger and commercial vehicles in China reached 26.06 million and 4.03 million units, respectively, marking increases of 10.61% and 22.2% from the previous year, as reported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). With major players in the industry launching various initiatives, automobile sales are set to grow further, aligning with the nation's surging demand for vehicles.
- For instance, in October 2023, Bosch Group, a leading German multinational, inked a deal to establish its strategic headquarters for commercial vehicles in Wuxi, underscoring its optimism towards China's push for new energy vehicles. Bosch envisions the project as a pioneering industrial park tailored for commercial vehicles, emphasizing technological advancements in vehicle electrification and assisted driving. These endeavors are anticipated to cater to the burgeoning demand for automobiles and the increasing need for battery separators in SLI applications.
- Even with the growing prominence of lithium-ion technologies, lead-acid batteries are a budget-friendly choice for SLI applications, particularly in the price-sensitive automotive market. A rising demand for dependable separators boosts battery efficiency and longevity. Recently, several companies have initiated projects poised to elevate automobile production in the near future.
- Take, for instance, Toyota Motor Corporation's June 2023 announcement. The automotive giant introduced a range of technologies, marking its shift towards becoming a key player in the battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) landscape. Toyota is set to roll out its next-generation BEVs in China and globally, with a full lineup slated for 2026. Looking ahead to 2030, the automaker's BEV Factory aims to produce 1.7 million units, a significant portion of the projected 3.5 million total. Such initiatives will likely boost the demand for SLI batteries and separators in the coming years.
- Manufacturers channel investments into R&D in China, focusing on advanced separators crafted from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). These innovations enhance ionic conductivity and thermal stability and bolster resistance to acid degradation, aligning with the rigorous standards of contemporary vehicles during the forecast period.
- Therefore, as per the above points, rising growth in the automotive sector is expected to grow during the forecast period.
Polypropylene Segment to Witness Significant Growth
- The polypropylene (PP) segment is rapidly expands in China's lead-acid battery separator market, particularly for SLI (Starting, Lighting, and Ignition) applications. This growth is fueled by the surging demand for durable, cost-effective, high-performance separators, driven by the nation's burgeoning automotive and industrial sectors.
- As the world's largest automotive market, China boasts a robust demand for SLI batteries. Polypropylene separators, favored for their lightweight nature, high chemical resistance, and thermal stability, align perfectly with the performance requirements of contemporary vehicles, including Electric Vehicles (EVs). Notably, the sales share of EVs in China has seen a marked uptick in recent years.
- Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that in 2023, electric vehicles constituted 38% of China's total automobile sales, a jump from 28% in 2022 to a mere 5% in 2019. With the Chinese government rolling out policies and incentives to further bolster EV adoption, this share is set to climb, amplifying the demand for SLI-type lead-acid batteries in these vehicles.
- In 2023, the Chinese government extended substantial subsidies for EV purchases, peaking at RMB 100,000 (approximately USD 15,000) per vehicle. Additionally, buyers of EVs benefited from exemptions on the vehicle purchase tax, underscoring the financial allure. Such initiatives are anticipated to elevate EV production and escalate the demand for lead-acid battery separators in the SLI application in the foreseeable future.
- Moreover, the growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable materials in battery production drives the demand for polypropylene separators. Owing to advancements in material science, PP separators are now more efficient, boasting higher ionic conductivity, reduced resistance, and enhanced safety. This evolution aligns perfectly with the surging demand for high-performance SLI batteries.
- Consequently, the polypropylene segment is poised for significant growth in India, riding the wave of expansion in the automotive and energy storage sectors.
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Industry Overview
The China lead-acid battery separator market for SLI applications is semi - consolidated. Some key players in this market (in no particular order) include Zhejiang Bangjie New Material Co., Ltd., Hunan Corun New Energy Co., Ltd., Daramic LLC, Entek International, and Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., among others.
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market Leaders
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Zhejiang Bangjie New Material Co., Ltd.
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Hunan Corun New Energy Co., Ltd.
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Daramic LLC
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Entek International
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Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market News
- December 2024: The spotlight is on battery safety, especially regarding the risk of sudden high temperatures during charging. A collaborative effort led by a research team from the Institute of Modern Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, alongside Lanzhou University and the Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Advanced Energy Science and Technology, has pioneered a novel method to produce polyimide separators that resist high temperatures. Leveraging ion track technology and backing from the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Accelerator, this initiative seeks to bolster battery safety.
- January 2024: SEMCORP's research institute has introduced a revolutionary separator for lead-acid batteries tailored for vehicle SLI applications. Rigorous testing highlights its outstanding performance, especially in frigid conditions. Remarkably, at a chilling -30°C, the separator enhances the battery cell's discharge capacity retention by more than 10% over prevailing industry benchmarks.
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Industry Segmentation
In a lead-acid battery, the separator for SLI (Starting, Lighting, and Ignition) is a porous insulating material between the positive and negative plates. This separator's main role is to avert direct contact between the plates, a scenario that could lead to a short circuit. Simultaneously, it permits the unhindered movement of ions in the electrolyte, facilitating the electrochemical reactions vital for the battery's function.
The China lead-acid battery separator market for SLI applications is segmented by material. By material, the market is segmented into polyethylene, polypropylene, and others.
For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on revenue (USD).
Material | Polyethylene |
Polypropylene | |
Others |
China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Market Research Faqs
How big is the China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry?
The China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry size is expected to reach USD 311.23 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 15.07% to reach USD 627.90 million by 2030.
What is the current China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry size?
In 2025, the China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry size is expected to reach USD 311.23 million.
Who are the key players in China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry?
Zhejiang Bangjie New Material Co., Ltd., Hunan Corun New Energy Co., Ltd., Daramic LLC, Entek International and Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd are the major companies operating in the China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry.
What years does this China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry size was estimated at USD 264.33 million. The report covers the China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the China Lead-Acid Battery Separator Market For SLI Applications Industry size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.