Small rechargeable batteries such as nick-el cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hy-dride (Ni-MH) and lithium ion batteries have been turning into high performance products as mobile gadgets become increasingly sophisticated, smaller and lighter. After posting series of declines starting in FY2001 caused mainly by the IT industry slump, the small rechargeable battery market started to recover in FY2003. Specifically, the demand for large-capacity lithium ion batteries for mobile products such as cellular phones, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook computers and portable game consoles is growing rapidly. There is also a growing recognition of the advantages of using rechargeable batteries in terms of environmental care and economic efficiency. This in turn is boosting the aftermarket for Ni-MH batteries even though overall demand is slipping.
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