Despite the rapid development of lithium-ion batteries in recent years, lead-acid batteries still maintain an irreplaceable position in global energy storage, backup power, automotive starter, and industrial power supply fields. Their unique advantages—high safety, low cost, mature recycling system, and stable performance—make them the first choice for many practical scenarios. As key supporting parts of lead-acid batteries, core components such as separators, safety valves, and electrolyte accessories have thus entered a period of steady growth, driven by the continuous expansion of downstream demand.

Latest industry data shows that the global output of lead-acid battery separators reached 1.775 billion square meters in 2025, with a market size of approximately 18.35 billion yuan. Industry projections indicate a sustained upward trend, with the separator market expected to grow to 22.51 billion yuan by 2032. Meanwhile, the global lead-acid battery market as a whole is also set to rise steadily, from $31.16 billion in 2025 to $32.85 billion in 2026, which directly drives the demand for related components.

Key demand drivers in the global market are concentrated in three major areas. First, the accelerated construction of data centers in North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe has boosted the demand for high-reliability, maintenance-free lead-acid batteries, thereby driving the growth of supporting components. The UPS-related component market, closely linked to data centers, is expected to approach 29.77 billion yuan by 2032. Second, the Asia-Pacific region, represented by China, India, and Southeast Asia, has a huge demand for traditional fuel vehicles and micro-hybrid vehicles, bringing stable demand for automotive starter battery components. Third, the construction of 5G base stations, rural power networks, and small-scale off-grid energy storage systems around the world has maintained steady demand for lead-acid batteries, which have strict requirements for the safety and stability of components such as safety valves and separators.

Technological innovation and upgrades are also important driving forces for the industry’s development. In January 2026, a notable advancement in safety valve technology was achieved, with a new type of composite safety valve structure patented. This innovative design integrates catalytic function, flame retardant and explosion-proof performance, and multi-layer filtration, which greatly improves the safety and stability of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries used in communication base stations, data centers, and other key infrastructure. In addition, mainstream component suppliers are also focusing on developing high-performance separator materials with better permeability and corrosion resistance, as well as more compact and long-life safety valve structures to meet the evolving needs of downstream applications. Asian manufacturers, especially those in China, hold a significant global supply advantage, with mature industrial chains, stable production capacity, and products that have obtained international certifications such as CE and UL, exported to more than 30 countries and regions around the world.