Battery Demand to Approach $74 Billion in 2010

Worldwide primary and secondary battery demand is projected to rise to nearly 7% annually through 2010 to $73.6 billion, reports World Batteries from the Freedonia Group. China's annual demand will climb by $7 billion from 2005 to 2010, surpassing the U.S. to become the largest battery market in the world. Strong sales increases are also expected by India, Indonesia, South Korea, Poland, South Africa, Brazil and Russia. Battery demand in the U.S., Western Europe and Japan will accelerate through 2010. Their market gains will be fueled by favorable economic conditions and higher income levels, leading to increased battery-powered product use. Renewed growth in motor vehicle production will contribute to sales in the U.S. and Western Europe. Market gains for non-lead-acid secondary batteries will outpace demand for primary and lead-acid secondary batteries. Sales of lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries, and to a lesser extent, nickel-metal hydrides will be spurred by the popularity of electronic devices. Primary battery demand will rise, driven by increased use of electrical and electronic products traditionally powered by primary batteries. Lead-acid battery sales will expand, benefitting from rising automotive output and growing demand in uninterruptible power supplies but continue to lag demand for other products.