Ukrainian Journal reported that the outlook for Ukraine steel industry is improving, even though output could fall 20% to 24% in 2009.
The signs that the industry decline slowing was first detected in May.
The latest figures from the Industrial Policy Ministry suggest the decline has bottomed out, with roll production falling 34%YoY to 12.354 million tonnes in the H1 of 2009 and the same 34% to 14.579 million tonnes in January to July.
A ministry representative said that the latest forecast is for roll and pig iron production to fall 20% to 25.101 million tons and 24.675 million tons, respectively and crude steel 24% to 28.023 million tonnes in 2009 as a whole. (Ukrainian Journal)