Ukraine steel output hit 2.73 million tons in January, an insignificant drop of 29,000 tons down by 1.1% MoM, capacity utilization rate in the industry remained steady at 75%, production for the month was up 26.8% YoY due to a low comparison base. This low comparison base effect should see the domestic steel industry reporting increases of 15% YoY to 25% for at least the next six months.
One significant event of January was the purchase by Russian investors of a controlling stake in the Industrial Union of Donbass.
Steel prices continued to rise during January and by month’s end rolled steel prices were $40 per ton to $45 per ton, higher by 10% MoM. Despite sluggish demand, a swift rise in prices for all kinds of raw materials helped push prices up.
A major price increase for steel scrap compared to increases in coke and iron ore proved favorable for integrated steel mills and, in general, made Ukrainian steel more competitive on world markets. (SteelGuru)
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