In the third quarter of 2014 Donetsk Iron and Steel Works plans to return to the rolled plate market.
The plate shop (512 thousand tons) was stopped in April 2012. Now it’s back in action. But the company hasn’t decided on the sales structure yet.
Ukraine was considered the main sales market, but because of the difficult economical and political situation the company thought of renewing its export operations.
According to some experts, in 2013 plate consumption in Ukraine decreased by 19%, to 875 thousand tons, YoY, and by 30% in January-April YoY.
On the local market Mariupol Iron and Steel Works named after Ilyich, Azovstal and Alchevsk Iron and Steel Works produce rolled plate, the first two covering their needs with their own raw materials.
Donetsk Iron and Steel Works only covers a part of its needs. But its advantage is in the use of its own high-quality pig iron (up to 40%). (Ukrainian metal)