Kazakhstan: metal prices up in 2017

In 2017 prices of industrial products in Kazakhstan increased by 17.6% YoY. According to the Ministry of the national economy, prices in mining industry increased by 27.2% and in processing by 8.3%. In particular, metal ore prices grew by 15.8%, coal – by 10.3%, zinc – by 23.7%, copper – by 19.7%, aluminum – by…

Ukraine: $2.7 billion worth of coal imported in 2017

In 2017 Ukraine imported 19.8 million tons of coal valued at $2.7 billion. According to the State Fiscal Service, Russia supplied $1.552 billion worth of coal (56.57%), USA – $682.01 million (24.85%), Canada – $182.2 million (6.64%) and other countries – $327.65 million (11.94%). Exports mostly went to Russia – $57.475 million (54.48%), Slovakia –…

Russia: rolled metal demand down

In 2017 rolled steel sheet was the most sought after type of rolled metal. At present Russian market is witnessing a slight seasonal decrease in demand, which allows buying materials cheaper. Customers also leave their orders online more often, which simplifies the purchasing process. Steel sheet is used in machine-building, construction, agriculture, etc. (Ukrainian metal)

Latvia: KVV Liepājas metalurgs’ potential investor given two weeks to consider purchase

The potential investor of the insolvent KVV Liepājas metalurgs is given two weeks to consider purchasing the company, says Latvian Economy Minister Arvils Ašeradens. He admits that talks with the potential investor are not over; the investor wants to secure the most beneficial conditions in business negotiations. Latvian government is also highly interested in getting…

Ukraine: S&P changes Ferrexpo rating to Positive

Standard&Poor’s has changed the rating forecast for Ferrexpo plc, owner of Poltava and Yeristovo GOKs, from Stable to Positive. On December 29, 2017 S&P improved the group rating following the “high productivity” shown lately. The agency has also confirmed Ferrexpo’s long-term rating at B-. The rating improvement is the result of the stable iron ore…

Ukraine: metal makers retain annual output volumes

In December 2017 Ukraine produced 1.87 million tons of pig iron, 1.88 million tons of steel and 1.7 million tons of rolled metal, all up by 3%, 0.4% and 7% MoM respectively. “Output increase in December 2017 was mostly thanks to Mariupol Iron and Steel Works and Zaporizhstal”, Ukrmetallurgprom reported. In January-December 2017 Ukraine produced…