In-depth analysis of the China dry battery market 2026, including alkaline battery dominance, lithium primary battery growth, regional distribution, export trends, and leading manufacturers like Shandong Huatai.

China Dry Battery Market 2026: Industry Structure, Growth Trends & Competitive Landscape

1. Overview of the China Dry Battery Market in 2026

The China dry battery market in 2026 continues to demonstrate stable and mature development. Total market size is projected to remain between RMB 33–35 billion (USD 4.6–4.9 billion), with an annual growth rate of approximately 3%–4%.

Rather than high-speed expansion, the industry is now characterized by:

Structural upgrading

Lithium primary battery growth

Environmental compliance acceleration

Increasing B2B customization demand

China remains the world’s largest manufacturing and export base for alkaline batteries, carbon zinc batteries, and lithium primary batteries.

2. Product Structure Analysis: Alkaline Dominance & Lithium Acceleration

2.1 Alkaline Batteries – Core Market Segment (≈60%)

Alkaline batteries continue to dominate the China dry battery market, accounting for approximately 60% of total market share.

Key drivers include:

Higher energy density than carbon zinc batteries

Longer operating life

Mercury-free compliance (mandatory nationwide in 2026)

Wide usage in remote controls, medical devices, smart appliances, and household electronics

As a leading alkaline battery manufacturer in North China,
Shandong Huatai New Energy Battery Co., Ltd. produces AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and high-volt alkaline batteries (23A, 27A), supporting both domestic and export markets.

2.2 Carbon Zinc Batteries – Shrinking but Still Relevant (≈25%)

Carbon zinc batteries now represent approximately 25% of the market, with gradual decline in share.

However, they remain important in:

Price-sensitive export markets

Entry-level consumer applications

Certain industrial low-drain scenarios

For many OEM battery suppliers in China, carbon zinc batteries still provide stable volume sales in emerging markets.

2.3 Lithium Primary Batteries – Fastest Growing Segment (15%–18%)

Lithium primary batteries are the fastest-growing category in 2026, with annual growth exceeding 15%.

Market share is expected to reach 15%–18%, driven by:

IoT device expansion

Smart water and gas meters

Smart grid infrastructure

Wearable electronics

CR lithium button batteries and lithium thionyl chloride batteries are particularly strong in industrial and metering applications.

Chinese manufacturers are rapidly upgrading lithium primary battery capacity to meet high-end global demand.

3. Regional Distribution: Core Leadership + Multi-Polar Support

China’s dry battery industry demonstrates clear geographic concentration.

3.1 East China – Largest Production Hub (≈33.1%)

East China contributes approximately 33.1% of national output, with Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces hosting mature supply chains and leading alkaline battery factories.

3.2 North China – Strategic Upgrade Center (≈32.3%)

North China accounts for around 32.3% of total production. Shandong Province plays a pivotal role due to:

Policy-driven industrial development

Integration with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic zone

Growing energy storage and smart device demand

Companies such as Shandong Huatai New Energy Battery Co., Ltd. have strengthened North China’s presence in both domestic and global battery supply chains.

3.3 South China – Export & Customization Base (≈15.8%)

South China, centered around Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta, focuses on:

Export-oriented battery manufacturing

Private label alkaline battery production

Customized B2B battery solutions

This region remains critical for international OEM battery projects.

3.4 Central & Western China – Emerging Capacity Expansion

Provinces such as Sichuan, Jiangxi, and Henan are accelerating industry transfer, supported by:

Green electricity resources

Lithium mineral reserves

Lower production costs

These areas are expected to gain importance in long-term industry restructuring.

4. Competitive Landscape: High Industry Concentration

4.1 CR5 Exceeds 60%

The top five dry battery manufacturers account for over 60% of total market share, reflecting high industry concentration.

Key brands include:

Huatai Battery

Nanfu Battery

Shuanglu Battery

Duracell

Leading enterprises differentiate themselves through:

Production scale

Technology upgrades

Export capabilities

OEM customization services

4.2 B2B Customization as a Core Competitive Strategy

In 2026, B2B customization is a key growth driver.

Manufacturers now provide:

Inventory-linked supply management

After-sales guarantee mechanisms

Private label battery solutions

Integrated supply chain cooperation

Customized orders are growing at approximately 20% annually, particularly among appliance and electronics brands.

5. Export Performance and Global Outlook

China remains the world’s largest exporter of dry batteries.

In 2025:

Export value reached USD 3.535 billion

The United States ranked as the largest export destination

Trade surplus remained significant

Strong demand continues across:

North America

Europe

Africa

Latin America

Middle East

For international buyers searching for a reliable China dry battery manufacturer, large-scale producers offer both cost advantages and stable supply capacity.

6. Industry Trends: From Product Sales to Power Solutions

The industry is transitioning from simple product sales to comprehensive power solutions.

Emerging strategic directions include:

Battery recycling systems

Trade-in programs

Lifecycle carbon footprint management

Compliance with the EU New Battery Regulation

Sustainability and carbon transparency are becoming essential for long-term export competitiveness.

Conclusion: Structural Upgrade Within a Stable Market

The China dry battery market in 2026 is defined by:

Stable overall growth

Alkaline battery dominance

Rapid lithium primary battery expansion

Clear regional clustering

High industry concentration

Strong B2B customization capabilities

For overseas distributors, OEM buyers, and investors researching the China alkaline battery market or lithium primary battery suppliers, 2026 represents a stage of structural optimization rather than expansion volatility.

Manufacturers such as Shandong Huatai New Energy Battery Co., Ltd. exemplify the new-generation Chinese battery enterprise—combining large-scale alkaline battery production, expanding lithium capacity, and integrated OEM services—positioning China as a stable and strategic partner in the global battery supply chain.