Steel output in Ukraine rises 3% mom in August

Ukrainian steelmakers increased output of crude steel by 3% mom to 2.6 mmt in August, according to Interfax. Production in 8M12 was still down 5% yoy to 22 mmt.

Roman Topolyuk: Though August steel production rebounded from a low in July, it is still very weak yoy: -12%. The slowdown in key global economies, the key reason for decline of demand for Ukrainian steel, is unlikely to cease until the end of 3Q12. We estimate the sector’s average steel capacity load at 73% in 8M12, compared to 77% during the same period a year before. Without any apparent reasons for substantial improvement in the steel market this year, annual production in Ukraine is likely to be 32 mmt, the second worst result this decade.