Azovstal to increase finished steel output by 29% in 2010

It is reported that Ukrainian steelmaker Azovstal, a subsidiary of the Ukrainian iron ore and steel producing company Metinvest, plans in 2010 to increase its finished steel output by 29% to 5.532 million tons compared to 2009.
In addition, in 2010 Azovstal also plans to raise its crude steel production by 20.5% YoY to 5.591 million tons and its pig iron output by 21.1% YoY to 4.866 million tons both compared to 2009.
In 2009, Azovstal shipped its products to 49 countries. Among the leading country consumers of Azovstal steel products were Russia, Indonesia, Italy, India, South Korea and Poland. The main delivered products were slabs and flats.
Azovstal exports to Russia and CIS countries amounted to about 12.6% of its total deliveries. In the Ukrainian domestic market, the biggest demand in 2009 was registered for Azovstal’s flat rolled products, rails and grinding steel balls.
In 2009, Azovstal’s main steel product deliveries were directed to the European market at 985,900 tons down from 1.536 million tons in 2008 and to the Asian market at 710,900 tons. The company exports to African countries decreased in 2009 to 7,000 tons from 249,300 tons in 2008, and its deliveries to America declined to 22,700 tons from 123,600 tons.
As of February 10th this year Azovstal business plan for 2010 has approved the funding of investment projects totaling $39.691 million. In 2009, the company suspended the implementation of its investment programs. In particular, in 2010 Azovstal will continue the construction of its main projects, i. e. continuous caster, ladle furnaces No 1 and No 2 and a vacuum degassing unit. (SteelOrbis)