This category of producers warns of the risk of closing nearly fifteen factories where 5,000 people work.
The manufacturers of automotive batteries appeal to the Minister of Trade and Exports, Kamel Rezig. They ask him to make the obsolete decision to export lead ingots and lead powder. This is because of the serious shortage observed on the market in Algeria since last June and which could lead to the closure of 14 factories, reports Echorouk. And as a direct consequence, the dismissal of 5,000 workers.
Which will, according to them, lead to the loss of 240 million dollars per year. This is for the importation of these materials from abroad. Because lead is the main material that makes up 85% of car batteries. The manufacturers of the automotive batteries turned to the Minister of Trade and Exports, Kamel Rezig. This is with regard to the ministerial instruction issued on June 23, 2021.
This authorizes the export of lead in ingots. And lead powder. “We regret the decisions taken to allow the export of ingots and lead powder. The rest of the products classified as raw materials for the battery recycling activity, which depend on raw lead, represent 85% of the raw material we use,” say the producers.
“Lead will be re-imported again in the near future”
The producers underline in their request: “Our sector consists of 14 factories producing automotive batteries. Among them, 3 general production units. In addition to other projects that are not yet commissioned. The sector employs more than 5,000 direct workers and tens of thousands of indirect posts.
Note that these factories cover around 70% of national car battery needs. With a capacity of 3 million batteries per year”. Car Battery Manufacturers’ Union official spokesperson Salim Houari announced in a statement to the Arabic-language daily that if the decision to allow the export of lead is not overturned, it will be re-imported again in the near future”.
