Ukraine boosts rolled steel production 76% in Jan, exports almost 90% of output

MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax) - Ukrainian steelmakers produced 453,000 tonnes of rolled steel products in January, 75.9% more than in the same period last year, Ukrainian media reported, citing industry association Ukrmetalurgprom.

The association, citing Ukraine's State Customs Service, said 400,400 tonnes of this steel or 88.4% was exported in January. In January 2023, the country exported only 35.6% or 91,600 tonnes of the 257,400 tonnes of rolled steel it produced.

Semi-products made up 55.65% of exports in January, flat products accounted for 33.55% and long products made up 10%, compared to, respectively, 41.84%, 32.24% and 25.9% a year earlier.

The domestic market for rolled steel shrank 37% to 137,700 tonnes in January from 219,100 tonnes a year earlier. Of this, 85,100 tonnes or 61.8% were imported, up from 53,400 tonnes or 24.36% a year earlier.

Ukraine's rolled steel market grew by 120% to 3.506 million tonnes in 2023, with imports accounting for 1.119 million tonnes or 31.9%. Rolled steel production jumped 100.4% to 5.37 million tonnes, of which about 2.99 million tonnes or 55.6% were exported.