Ukraine Starts Antidumping Hearings Against Pipe Importers

The Ukrainian government has started antidumping proceedings against importers of seamless pipes. The proceedings were initiated by Interpipe-related Nyzhnyodniprovsky Pipe (NITR: U/R) and Nikopol Pipe. Ukrainian consumption of seamless pipes was roughly 300 ths mt in 2006. Eugene Cherviachenko: If antidumping duties are introduced this should secure domestic shipments for Interpipe related plants. Domestic consumption accounted for nearly 26% of Ukrainian seamless pipe production last year. Moreover, according to industry experts, local seamless pipe makers could benefit from a possible increase of 50-65% (150-200 ths mt per annum) in 2008-2009 from oil & gas extraction projects in Ukraine launched by Naftogaz and Shell.