Ukraine steel output decreases 2% yoy in 6M13
2 July 2013
Ukrainian steelmakers produced 16.5 mmt of steel in 6M13, a decrease of 2% yoy, Interfax reported on July 1. Output in June was 2.727 mmt, implying a daily output of 90 kt, or 1% higher m-o-m.
Roman Topolyuk: The operating performance of Ukraine’s steel industry came in broadly flat m-o-m against a backdrop of continuing weakness in selling prices. Billets prices lost a couple of dollars per ton, ending the month at the low level of USD 495/t. Slab prices slid 2% to USD 438/t. We expect market weakness to persist until the second half of August, when business will get a seasonal boost in the Middle East.
