Ukrainian Market News |
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December 2007
Flat rolled steel exports down by 8.4% to 750,700 tons in November
Exports of steel pipes down by 16.8% to 132,700 tons in November
Exports of unfinished steel products down by 14.6% to 855,800 tons in November
28.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Iron ore exports down by 5.6% to 2 million tons in November
Manganese ore not exported in November
Manganese ore imports 11% down to 156,700 tons in November
Titanium concentrate exports down by 17.9% to 24,600 tons in
November
Alumina exports down by 10.5% to 116,000 tons in November
28.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Coke imports up by 37.6% to 195,000 tons in November
Coke exports down by 20.5% to 34,000 tons in November
27.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Pig iron exports down by 15.6% to 143,000 tons in November
Ukraine exported 143,340 tons of cast iron in November, which is 15.6%
down on October, the State Statistics Committee reported. The main buyer
was Italy, accounting for 58,730 tons or 41% of the total exports. Ukraine's
cast iron export grew by 70.5% or by 800,060 tons in January - November
2007 on the like 2006 period, to 1,934,760 tons.
27.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Exports of ferroalloys up by 0.8% to 97,700 tons in November
Ukraine exported 97,680 tons of ferroalloys in November, which is by
0.8% more month-over-month. January to November saw export growth by
2.6%, by 27,730 tons up to 117,060 tons, year-over-year.
27.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian News Agency
Economy Ministry to increase indicative export prises of silicomanganese
The Economy Ministry of Ukraine intends to increase the indicative export
prices of silicomanganese for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan for January
2008 by 10% or by USD 100 per ton, up to USD 1,100 per ton, Serhiy Kudriavtsev,
executive director of the Ukrainian Association of Ferroalloy Producers,
said. He added that the economy ministry also intends to increase the
January 2008 export indicative prices of silicomanganese for the countries
of the Commonwealth of Independent States from USD 1,050 per ton to
USD 1,110 per ton, and to divide the prices of ferrosilicon 65, having
set them at the rate of USD 950 per ton for Europe, and USD 830 per
ton for CIS member-countries. The December prices of ferrosilicon 65
were set at USD 750 per ton.
26.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukrainian machine-building developing in priority rates
According to the economy ministry, the production growth rates of Ukrainian
machine-building companies reached 28% in January - November, which
listed Ukraine, on a par with Germany, Japan, the US, France and South
Korea, among the world's front-runners in engineering industry development.
In all, products worth USD 7.2 billion were put out in 11 months, which
exceeds the showing of traditional leaders of industrial production
- oil processing and gas extraction industries. "Such an unprecedented
result actually means that the industry, which for a long time was running
on technological minimum, is now getting revived. We are at last stopping
to play just a raw export role for the European Union and Russia, and
are developing production of finished goods," says Valeriy Vorobiov,
director of the center for conversion and new technologies in machine-building.
26.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine ups gas price ceiling for industry 30%
Ukraine's government has raised the gas price ceiling for industrial
consumers by 30% for next year following a price increase for imported
gas likely to intensify pressure on local producers and fuel inflation.
The government said in a statement on its web site on Tuesday it had
allowed a rise in the ceiling to USD 185 per 1,000 cubic metres (tcm)
from USD 143 in 2007. The news follows an agreement signed with Russian
gas export monopoly Gazprom , under which Ukraine is to pay USD 179.50
per tcm from next year against USD 130 at the moment. Economists say
the increase will hit the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers, especially
the chemicals and steel sectors, and fuel inflation.
25.12.2007 Source: Reuters
Ukraine reduces scrap metal exports by 6% in January-November
Ukrainian ferrous scrap merchants exported 647,300 tonnes of scrap in
the first eleven months of 2007, 6.1% less than a year earlier. The
head of the Ukrainian Metal Scrap Association, Ivan Zaitsev said that
the country exported 29,800 tonnes of scrap metal in November. He said
most scrap is sold on the domestic market to Ukrainian steelmakers,
which plan to buy about 8 million tonnes of scrap in 2008.
21.12.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine ranks eight in world rating of steel producers
Ukraine remained the eighth largest of the world's 67 main steel producing
countries in November, and it increased steel production by 4% year-over-year
to 3.544 million tonnes. Along with Ukraine, the top ten steelmakers
in November 2007 were China (39.691 million tonnes, a 4.3% rise), Japan
(10.114 million tonnes, a 1.1% rise), the United States ((8.04 million
tonnes, a 8.5% decline), Russia (5.877 million tonnes, a 2.8% rise),
India (4.565 million tonnes, a 7.8% rise), South Korea (4.165 million
tonnes, a 0.8% rise), Germany (4.021 million tonnes, a 2.4% fall), Brazil
(2.872 million tonnes, a 6.2% rise) and Italy (2.815 million tonnes,
the level of November 2006). In November alone, Ukrainian producers
cut steel output by 83,000 tonnes compared to October 2007. A fall in
steel production compared to the previous month was registered in all
of the top ten countries.
21.12.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI)
Ukraine to up export quota on metal supply to EU
Ukraine's export quota on supply of metal produce to the EU in 2008
will up to 1.35 M. tons. Ukraine reached an agreement with EU in June
on trade of some steel products, which envisages upped export quotas
by 31.4% from 1,004,500 tons to 1,320,000 tons. Ukraine expects the
EU to lift quotas on steel export after Ukraine's' accidence to the
WTO.
20.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine ups iron ore exports 2.6% in 11 months
Ukraine raised iron ore exports tentatively 2.6% year-on-year in January-November
to 18.759 million tonnes. Iron ore concentrate exports grew 12.6% to
4.166 million tonnes and pellet exports went up 2.4% to 8.097 million
tonnes, however sintering ore exports fell 2.9% to 6.496 million tonnes.
Ukraine exported 1.982 million tonnes of iron ore in November, including
660,000 tonnes of concentrate, 662,000 tonnes of sintering ore and 660,000
tonnes of pellets. Ukrainian steelmakers increased imports of iron ore
commodities by 72.4% year-on-year to 3.157 million tonnes in the 11
months.
17.12.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom
Real GDP growth reported at 7.2% for first 11 months of 2007
Ukraine saw real GDP growth of 7.2% in January-November 2007 compared
to the same period of 2006. GDP grew 6.9% in November 2007 compared
to November 2006.
14.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Ukraine to cancel all export duties in trade with EU after creating
free trade area with European Union
Ukrainian Economics Minister Anatoliy Kinakh insists that Ukraine must
not make concessions in talks with the European Unions in export duties
for the sake of soon accession to the WTO. Kinakh noted that Ukraine
has already aired its position to the EU about its readiness to cancel
export duties in the trade with the EU after creating a free trade area
between Ukraine and the EU. The minister said that to the date Ukraine
has met all obligations for accession to the WTO except of the regulation
of the issue with the EU for export duties. According to him, on December
17 and 20 the WTO council will sit into Ukraine's accession to the organization.
14.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Some Ukrainian steelmakers might post losses in Q1 of 2008
Some Ukrainian steel companies might operate at a loss in the first
quarter of 2008 due to higher energy prices, shortages of coke and an
increase in prices for iron ore commodities, the head of industry association
Metallurgprom, Vasyl Kharakhulakh said. Companies that are integrated
into larger groups will have fewer problems with higher prices, while
independent plants will be impacted, he said at a mining and metals
industry conference on Wednesday. Natural gas prices for steel plants
will be between USD 270 and USD 277 per 1,000 cubic meters. Production
costs for steel products will increase in 2008, Kharakhulakh said. Industrial
association Metallurgprom is one of the organizers of the Metal-Forum
of Ukraine.
14.12.2007 Source: Interfax
Price for Ukrainian metal to rebound by 30%
Ukraine will face new price hikes for metal. Ukraine's leading metal
producer "MetInvest" announced about intention to increase
price by 22 to 25%. And so, we will preserve 2007's marge of the enterprise,
Sales Director of the "MetInvest" Andriy Parkhomchuk said.
The Ilich Mariupol Metallurgic Plant and Industrial Union of DONBASS
also announced their intentions to reconsider prices toward upper points.
Experts predict prices to grow by 30%. We are hold the relevant calculations
now, "Mariupol Metallurgic Plant" CEO Volodymyr Boyko said.
"Metallurgprom" Director General Vasyl Kharakhulakh predicted
gas price for metallurgic plants at USD 270 to 277 per 1,000 cu m. Notably,
Ukraine and Russia agreed on the 179.5 USD per 1,000 cu. m in 2008.
14.12.2007 Source: Interfax
Yuschenko asks government to examine situation in country's aluminum
industry
Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko has sent a letter to Premier Viktor
Yanukovych with the request that a governmental commission examine the
situation in the country's aluminum industry. The president asked the
Cabinet of Ministers to take measures to make the work of OJSC Zaporizhia
aluminum mill profitable, so as not to stop its work, drawing particular
attention to the economic justification for the electricity tariffs
charged to this enterprise. Yuschenko also urged that the cabinet analyze
the implementation of the state program on developing and reforming
the mining and metallurgical sector until 2011, which was adopted by
the Cabinet of Ministers in 2004, with particular focus on the development
of the major kinds of production of non-ferrous metals.
14.12.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine ups production in steel pipes by 2.1%
Steel pipes production in November downed by 1.1%, numbering 2,250 tons
month-over-month down to 194,460 tons. January to November 2007 saw
production of steel pipes by 2.1% more year-over-year. In 2006 production
of steel pipes upped by 14.4% to 2,601,950 tons year-over-year.
14.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
EBRD presents program of enhancing efficiency of energy saving in
Ukraine
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development presented a
program of enhancing the efficiency of energy saving in Ukraine at a
conference in Dnipropetrovsk. The program envisages financing in general
in Ukraine to the tune of 100 million EUR. Two Ukrainian banks pose
as mediators in this process, which will credit enterprises for investing
energy saving and energy efficiency.
13.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Metal consumption in Ukraine up 36%
Metal consumption in Ukraine upped by 36% and totals 200 kg per person,
director of the state scientific and research institute Yevhen Kovalev
said. Income from metal export over the last 11 monthes upped by 34%
to USD 8 billion. According to Kovalev, 2007 metal production will exceed
the last year's one.
13.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Coke production ups by 5.9% in 11 months
Coke production in Ukraine in January to November ups by 5.9% and totaled
18,327,000 tons.
The Ukrkoks experts predict demands of metallurgists at over 19.5 million
tons on coke.
13.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Cut in coal extraction by Zasyadko mine would affect Ukrainian metallurgy,
says expert
A fall in coal extraction by the Zasyadko mine, which annually extracts
over 3.3 million tonnes of coking coal, or its complete shutdown, would
lead to an increase in coal shortages, which would affect Ukrainian
metallurgy, according to director of coal and coke division of Metinvset-Holding
Ltd., Volodymyr Husak.
"A cut in extraction or a shutdown of the Zasyadko mine would affect
the whole Ukrainian metallurgical sector and the country's economy.
The losses could be millions of dollars. I think that every one would
agree that lives of people are more important than financial figures.
The main thing is to save the lives of miners," he said. Zasyadko
mine supplied coking coal to all coking plants of Ukraine, including
Metinvset companies. The shutdown of this mine would not lead to the
shutdown of the group's coking companies, as Zasyadko mine is a large
but not the main supplier for Metinvest, its share in total coal consumption
is around 7-8%.
12.12.2007 Source: Interfax
EBRD to invest EUR 700-800 million in projects in Ukraine in 2008
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends
to invest EUR 700-800 million in projects in Ukraine in 2008. "We
were guided by the volume of investment we are to make this year - about
EUR 700 million. Well, it will be around it next year," Anton Usov,
the spokesman for the Kyiv office of the EBRD, said. As reported earlier,
late in September, the EBRD said it would invest up to USD 350 million
in the financial sector of Ukraine in 2008.
11.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian News
Arcelormittal announces price increases for long products in Q1'08
Strong demand and ongoing pressure from rising raw material and billet
prices have led to increasing rebar and wire rod prices in Asia and
Middle East. Due to continuing robust steel market fundamentals, ArcelorMittal
announces a further price increase of $ 30/ton for Long steel products
for all new orders as of Jan 1st 2008 out of Black Sea for Turkey, Mediterranean,
Middle East & North Africa (MENA) destinations. This price increase
comes as a result of ongoing strength in the macroeconomic environment
in MENA, CIS and emerging Asia regions. Demand for steel products remains
strong, with financial market jitters limited to mature Western markets.
Billet prices into the region have risen over the past few weeks on
strong demand and shifting Trade flows. The strength of the macroeconomic
environment in MENA is supported by continuing high oil prices. The
construction sector is particularly robust with a significant number
of projects under construction and 2008 growth expected at a high rate
similar to that of 2007.
Narendra Chaudhary, CEO of ArcelorMittal Krivy Riy, Ukraine, said: "The
strong demand is untypical for this time of the year but clearly indicates
that we are looking to a very healthy year 2008. We believe that trade
flows are on the way to change and Ukraine will benefit from this."
10.12.2207 Source: ArcelorMittal
Ukraine steps up ferroalloy output
Ukraine increased ferroalloy production during eleven months of 2007
by 8.9% up to 1.39 million tons versus the relevant period of 2006.
Ferroalloy output rose by 1.1% to 138,600 tons in November.
06.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukrainian entrepreneurs take Russian gas price hike in stride
Ukrainian enterprises have taken the increase in the price of Russian
gas to USD 179.5 per 1,000 cu. m. in their stride. Notably, Chairman
of the Management Board of the Mariupol-based Ilyich iron and Steel
Works Volodymyr Boiko believes that the new price will not significantly
affect the cost of the plant's produce. "The price of gas accounts
for three percent of the cost of metal. Moreover, it will not exceed
1.5 percent when most enterprises transit to the pulverized coal injection
technology next year," he said. Vice-president of the Association
of Chemical Enterprises Petro Burliayev stated that the enterprises
will not be affected by the price hike. "The producers will simply
raise their prices in Ukraine by 17-25 percent. As for export prices,
they have grown already - the world manufacturers of ammonia have hiked
their prices by 30 percent owing to the increase in prices of natural
gas this year," he said.
05.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine studying appropriateness of importing coal from Australia
Ukraine is studying whether it will be appropriate to import coal from
Australia. Acting Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych announced this at
a Cabinet of Ministers meeting. "Coal will most likely have to
be delivered from Australia because it has a more or less acceptable
price there," Yanukovych said. According to him, Ukraine presently
mines about 80 million tons of coal per year whereas at least 100 million
is presently needed to maintain the country's energy balance and meet
industrial requirements. He said that the nearest exporters of coal
to Ukraine are Russia and Poland. However, he stressed that Ukraine
should strengthen its own coal mining volume rather than dependency
on imports. Yanukovych also expressed the belief that it is inappropriate
to approve a decision on closure of coal mines and reduction of coal
mining.
05.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian News Agency
Ukraine ups pipe production
Ukraine has upped tube production as high as up to 2.44 million tons,
which is by 1.1% more. Main tube producers in Ukraine are the Nizhne-Dniprovskyi
Pipe Plant, Khartzyskyi Pipe Plant, Nikopolskyi Tube, Dnipropetrovsk
Tube Plant and "Yutist". The highest production output over
the last 11 months have been registered at the Nikopolskyi Tube Plant
at 169,600 tons.
05.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine must boost coal output
Ukraine needs to develop coal production and rebuild coalmines, Ukrainian
Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Ukraine needs to increase coal output to 100 million tonnes per year
from the current 80 million tonnes and thus should not reduce coal production
or close mines, he said. "The coal industry plays a very important
role in the Ukrainian economy. We cannot shut down mines altogether
- this would be a blow to the economy. On the contrary, we need to develop
coal production. The current level of 80 million tonnes is not enough
since we already need 100 million tonnes to ensure the country's energy
supplies, and output should be higher taking into account the growth
in production," he said.
05.12.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine ranked second in CIS for industrial growth
Ukraine is second in the CIS for industrial growth with 11% scored,
the CIS International Committee of Statistics told. Ukraine follows
Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, sharing the first place. The CIS industrial
production grew by 7% in January to October 2007 year-over-year.
04.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine uses almost 89% of EU rolled steel quota in 11 months
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in January-November
2007 to export 1,173,746 tons of licensable rolled steel to the EU,
which is 88.92% of the annual quota imposed by the EU. Ukraine signed
an agreement in June on trading in certain steel products with the EU,
according to which quotas on licensable Ukrainian steel exports to the
EU are raised by 31.4% in 2007, i. e., from 1,004,500 tons to 1,320,000
tons.
04.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine uses almost 14% of Russian rebar quota
Ukrainian steel mills in January through November 2007 obtained licenses
to ship 15,421 tonnes of rebar, or 13.77% of the annual quota for the
current year (112,000). As reported, the Ukrainian cabinet has approved
quotas on reinforced steel rebar shipments to Russia until December
31, 2010, according to an agreement on the regulation of rebar supplies
to Russia signed between the Ukrainian Economy Ministry and Russian
Economic Development and Trade Ministry.
04.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine uses 43.11% of quota for steel plate shipments to US over
11 months
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in the first eleven
months of the year to supply 61,257 tonnes of cut carbon steel plate
to the United States, or 43.11% of its annual quota. The quota for 2007
was increased to 142,111 tonnes from 138,106 tonnes for 2006.
04.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukrainian coke production grows 6% in January-November
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 5.9%
year-on-year to 18.327 million tonnes in the first eleven months of
2007, including 1.69 million tonnes in October, according to preliminary
figures. Coke producers managed to increase output despite the shortage
of coking coal caused by growing demand, the head of industry association
Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit reported. However, due to accidents at the
Zasiadko mine, which produces 31% of Ukraine's Zh brand coking coal,
the shortage of coal for coke production has worsened, he said.
04.12.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine cuts coal extraction
Ukraine downed coal extraction by 5.4% in January to November 2007 to
69 million tons year-over-year, the Coal Industry Ministry's press service
reported. Coking coal extraction fell by 6.3%, to 26.13 million tonnes,
and energy coal extraction decreased by 4.8%, to 42.888 million tonnes.
Coal extraction was 5.847 million tonnes in November alone, which is
10.7% down year-on-year. Ukraine's enterprises cut coking coal extraction
by 5% in November, to 2.436 million tonnes, and energy coal extraction
by 13.8%, to 4.05 million tonnes.
04.12.2007 Source: Coal Industry Ministry of Ukraine
Metallurgist group asks president to prevent rail tariff increase
The Federation of Ukrainian Metallurgists has asked President Viktor
Yushchenko to prevent another increase in rail freight tariffs planned
by the Transportation Ministry and the state railroad administration
Ukrzaliznytsia. The ministry is pushing for a rail tariff increase for
selected types of freight effective Jan. 1, 2008. It is proposing to
equalize prices for shipments of iron ore, iron ore concentrate, coke,
mineral fertilizer and oil products in and out of the country and on
domestic routes. As a result, tariffs for rail shipments inside Ukraine
will increase by 83.5% for iron ore commodities and 22.7% for coke,
which would cost steel companies an additional UAH 841 million and UAH
134 million, respectively, in 2008. Additional expenditures on shipment
of pig iron and ferrous metal rolled products would total UAH 145 million
in 2008.
03.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian Journal
Ukraine ups steel roll output 5% in 11 months
Ukraine's steel industry increased finished roll output 5% year-on-year
in January-November to 32.956 million tonnes. Ukraine produced 39.114
million tonnes of crude steel, up 5%, and 32.566 million tonnes of pig
iron, up 9% year-on-year.
Steel pipe production rose 1% to 2.439 million tonnes.
Metalware output was flat at 398,000 tonnes. Scrap deliveries to Ukrainian
steel mills grew 4% year-on-year to 6.401 million tonnes.
Iron ore concentrate production grew 8% to 55.782 million tonnes and
prepared iron ore - 6% to 65.956 million tonnes, including pellets -
7% to 20.434 million tonnes and sinter ore - 5% to 45.522 million tonnes.
Crude iron ore production rose 6% to 70.722 million tonnes.
03.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine
November 2007
Ukrainian metallurgists to register their products in accordance with European ecological norms
In line with the chemical industries of Ukraine metallurgists started registration of their products meeting norms of the new European ecological laws REACH. The reception of pre-registration applications from producers on their products' correspondence to new norms will start on June 1, 2008 and will last though December 1, 2008.
30.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukrainian steel mills may attract USD 3.55 billion by listing their
shares at international stock markets
Ukrainian companies involved in ferrous metallurgy may attract up to
USD 3.55 bn by listing their shares (IPOs and private placements) on
the international stock markets in 2008-2009, analyst of the Troika
Dialog Ukraine company Roman Zakharov says. According to him, companies
of the fuel and energy sector and those of the consumer sector have
the second best chance of attracting foreign investments at the stock
markets with an estimated USD 750 million yield in 2008-2009. Ukrainian
real estate companies may attract as much as USD 350 million of investments
and commercial banks USD 150 million, the expert maintains. Machine
building enterprises stand to net USD 50 million as a result of IPOs
and private placements.
30.11.2007 Source: Troika Dialog Ukraine
Ukraine might face coke shortages in 2008
Ukrainian steel companies will import about 2 million tonnes of coke
this year, but in 2008 imports will decline due to growing global demand,
the head of industry association Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit said. "In
2008 we will not be able to import 2 million tonnes of coke," he
said, adding that Ukraine would also import about 7 - 9 million tonnes
of coking coal this year. Ukrkoks reckons the problem of coking coal
shortages could be resolved by diversifying imports and building ports
for large ships. Ukrkoks projects that, due to shortages of raw material,
annual coke production in Ukraine will not exceed 17.5 million tonnes
in 2008 and onward, while steelmakers will require more than 19.5 million
tonnes next year.
29.11.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine ready to cancel export fees after agreement on free trade
area with EU takes effect
Ukraine is ready to cancel export fees after an agreement on free trade
area with the EU takes effect, First Vice Prime Minister, Finances Minister
Mykola Azarov told journalists. As he stressed, there is no the same
understanding of the cancellation of export fees among WTO members.
"The EU stands on that position, but such influential member of
the WTO, as Argentina sticks to opposite stance," Azarov said.
The WTO Charter and other documents of the WTO don't require the cancellation
of fees. Azarov said the EU's demand about the cancellation of fees
were "an artificial obstacle on the way of Ukraine's accession
to the WTO." He expressed his hope that it will be the last obstacle.
The European Union posed with the last demand regarding Ukraine's accession
to the World Trade Organization, WTO official representatives announced
on November 27 in Geneva. With a view of becoming the 152nd member of
the WTO, Kyiv should meet the requirement of Brussels regarding the
revision of the regulation of export fee.
29.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Exports of steel pipes up by 6.8% in October
In October, Ukraine piled up a steel pipes export by 6.8% or by 10.22
thousand tons up from September to 159.47 thousand tons, the State Statistics
Committee informed. In January-October 2007, the steel pipes export
increased by 4.9% or by 81.64 thousand tons against January-October
2006 to 1,747.01 million tons.
29.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Yushchenko headed all-Ukrainian meeting on energy saving
President Victor Yushchenko headed all-Ukrainian meeting on energy saving
in mining and machine-building industries in Alchevsk. The President
recalled that energy efficiency level of Ukraine's economics is 2-4
times lower than in development countries. The situation threatens energy
security, reduces welfare of Ukraine's citizens and leads to low competitive
capacity of Ukraine's enterprises production on foreign markets. According
to the President, there are examples of energy efficiency approach.
The Industrial Union of Donbas and Mittal Steel Kryvy Rih demonstrate
such examples. They find opportunities and resources to invest in technical
and technological modernization of their enterprises, enhancing energy
efficiency and ecological safety of production.
27.11.2007 Source: President`s press-office / NRCU
Steel mills face coke shortage due to lack of coal
Dnipropetrovsk-based Ukrkoks (Ukrainian Coke) association has forecast
further shortages of coke for domestic steel mills due to the growing
deficit of coking coal extraction. According to the release, by-product-coking
plants over the past years have seen serious shortages of coking coal.
Extraction of Ukrainian coking coals is falling, and soon the tendency
will strengthen for several reasons, including the exhaustion of deposits
and an increase in work safety requirements. Simultaneously, a fall
in coking coal imports from Russia has been seen, where Ukrainian by-product-coking
industry traditionally bought extra coking coal. Coke producers are
not able to provide enough coke for steel makers' needs. The association
says the situation could be tackled with the diversification of coal
imports and the building of ports for large-capacity ships. The statement
to the effect was made by Director General Anatoliy Starovoyt of the
UkrKoks. The way-out is to increase and diversify the coking coal import,
"not instead of the Ukrainian coal, but in addition to it".
27.11.2007 Source: Ukrainian Journal
Coke exports up by 43.1% to 43,000 tons in October
Coke imports up by 19.7% to 142,000 tons In October
27.11.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Russia decides not to impose antidumping duty on high-carbon ferromanganese
from Ukraine
Economics Minister Anatoliy Kinakh has reported that based on the outcomes
of the antidumping investigation conducted by the Russian Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade, Russia will impose no anti-dumping duty
on Ukraine's ferromanganese imports. In the nine months of 2007, Ukraine's
trade turnover with the Russian Federation reached USD 24.1 bn, rising
by 31.4 percent over the same period last year. The exports of Ukrainian
goods and services reached USD 11.6 bn, rising 1.5 fold. The negative
trade balance was reduced by an unprecedented USD 1.5 bn. "On the
whole the trade turnover between Ukraine and Russia is expected to exceed
the USD 30-bn mark this year. This is the highest indicator in our trade
and economic relations in recent years," the Economics Minister
concluded.
27.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Pig iron export falls 6.7% in October
In October the export of pig iron decreased by 6.7% or by 12,100 tons
versus September up to 169,820 tons. The main purchaser of Ukrainian
iron in October was Italy, which imported 90,380 tons of iron or 53.2%.
During January - October 2007 the export of iron grew by 86.6% or by
831,480 tons versus January - October 2006 up to 1,791.43 million tons.
27.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises step up production by 9.9%
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises during January - October 2007 increased
ready products manufacture by 9.9%, the State Statistics Committee reported.
In particular, the enterprises smelted 30.1 million tons of iron, 24.1
million tons of steel without semi-ready products and 12.1 million tons
of semi-manufactured products, 20.5 million tons of ready rolled metal
and 2.4 million tons of tubes and hallow profiled from ferrous metals.
26.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine still eighth biggest steelmaker in world in October
Ukraine remained the eighth largest of the world's 67 main steel producing
countries in October, and it increased steel production by 3.6% year-over-year
to 3.627 million tonnes. The rating is published by the International
Iron and Steel Institute (IISI). Along with Ukraine, the top ten steelmakers
in October 2007 were China (42.922 million tonnes), Japan (10.372 million
tonnes), the United States (8.51 million tonnes), Russia (6.188 million
tonnes), India (4.631 million tonnes), South Korea (4.304 million tonnes),
Germany (4.192 million tonnes), Italy (2.908 million tonnes) and Brazil
(2,899 million tonnes). In October alone, Ukrainian producers increased
steel output by 116,000 tonnes compared to September 2007. A rise in
steel production compared to the previous month was registered in all
of the top ten countries.
23.11.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute
USA and EU cease anti-dumping investigations against Ukrainian silicomanganese
and flat products producers
Europe and the USA ceased anti-dumping investigations against Ukrainian
producers of silicomanganese and flat products, Ukrainian Economy Minister
Anatoliy Kinakh said. The EU's stopping anti-dumping investigation against
Ukraine will allow exporting 190-200 million USD worth products annually
to EU markets, he said. Still, he added, the government is still focused
to cease anti-dumping investigation against seven Ukrainian products
by EU countries, these are seam and seamless tubes, carbamide, wire
cable, etc. Talking about relationa with the EU, Mr Kinakh said the
share of Ukraine's trade with the EU grew up to 33.4% and 76% of all
directs foreign investments come from EU countries.
23.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine and USA agree on ceasing anti-dumping investigation of Ukrainian
cutting rolled metal
Ukraine has completed negotiations with the USA on ceasing the anti-dumping
investigation into Ukrainian cutting rolled-metal, Ukrainian Economics
Minister Anatoliy Kinakh said Friday. According to him, the stop of
investigation of the Ukrainian product will allow the country exporting
up to 150,000 tons of cutting rolled-metal to the USA by October 30,
2008 without anti-dumping sanctions.
23.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine's crude steel output expected to rise 4% to 42.7 million tonnes
in 2007
UkrRudProm an association uniting major metal producers reported that
Ukraine's output of crude steel is expected to increase 4% to 42.7 million
tonnes in 2007 up from 40.8 million tonnes in 2006. The association
said Ukraine also plans to boost pig iron production this year by 8%
to 35.57 million tonnes and to increase rolled metal output by 5% to
36.06 million tonnes.
22.11.2007 Source: Ukrainian Journal
China encourages its companies to invest into Kiev
The capital of Ukraine has been identified as a priority city for investments
by Chinese companies. This was announced during a roundtable involving
representatives of major transnational companies that took place in
Beijing. Kyiv Deputy Mayor Serhiy Rudyk received a certificate that
distinguishes the Ukrainian capital as one of the most suitable cities
for investment. The ceremony also hailed the best industrial areas and
the most competitive enterprises of China. The event was organized by
the parliament of China and the UN agencies in that country. As of November
16, the trade turnover between Ukraine and China totals 4 bn USD.
19.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine ups import of iron ore
The metallurgic enterprises of Ukraine in January to October 2007 up
import of iron ore by 74.2% year-over-year, according to the UkrRudProm.
Import of iron concentrate in January to October 2007 grew by 23.9%to
1,180,000 tons, while import of sintering ore and pellet upped by 69%
and by 700%, respectively. In October Ukraine imported 424,860 tons
of iron ore, which was 21.5% increase versus September.
16.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Production of ferroalloys downs in Ukraine
Production of ferroalloys has downed by 9.5% year-over-year to 3.24
M. tons over the latest 10 months of 2007, the Ukrainian Association
of Ferroalloys Producers said. According to Executive Director of the
Ukrainian Association of Ferroalloys Producers Serhiy Kudriavtsev, the
slash resulted from upped indicative prices for export of ferroalloys.
The Economy Ministry upped indicative prices by 100 USD last month,
Kudriavtsev noted.
13.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
GDP 7.0% up in October
In October 2007, real GDP rose by 7.0%, compared to October 2006 to
UAH 68,680 million. In January-October 2007, the GDP grew by 7.3%, compared
to January-October 2006 to UAH 561,112 million. In September 2007, the
GDP increased by 6.2%, compared to September 2006 to UAH 72,982 million.
In 2006, the real gross domestic product rose by 7.1%, compared to 2005
to UAH 537,667 million. The Cabinet of Ministers forecasts GDP growth
of 6.5% in 2007. The Cabinet of Ministers endorsed major macroeconomic
indicators of Ukrainian development for 2008, including GDP growth of
7.2% and inflation of 6.8%.
13.11.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Ukraine's industrial output up 13.7% in October, 11% over 10 months
The pace of industrial output growth in Ukraine was 13.7% year-on-year
in October 2007, whereas in January through October it grew by 11%.
Production in the mining sector grew by 2.9% year-over-year, while a
7.3% rise was seen in the ore-mining sector and a 0.2% rise in oil and
gas production. Coal and peat production fell by 3.5%. A 12.7% rise
was seen in the processing industry in January through October 2007.
Coke output soared by 5.7%. In January through October 2007, a 9.9%
rise was seen in the metallurgical sector, which is 0.6% less than in
January through September 2007. Cast iron, steel and ferroalloy output
growth was 10.6%, and pipe production grew by 3.7%. Car building growth
was 27.4% over the ten months 2007.
10.11.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
Ukrainian coke production grows 5.7% in January-October
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 5.7%
year-on-year to 16.622 million tonnes in the first ten months of 2007,
including 1.761 million tonnes in October. Coke production has declined
in recent months due to shortages of coking coal, the head of industry
association Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit told. He said Ukraine would
import about 9 million tonnes of coking coal this year, about the same
as in 2006. At the same time, coke imports by steel companies have increased.
Coal and coke are imported primarily from Russia, Starovoit said.
07.11.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukrainian pipe production up 3% in January-October
Ukraine increased production of ferrous metal pipes by 3% year-on-year
to 2.245 million tonnes in the first ten months of 2007, including 204,500
tonnes in October. Pipe makers have been working fairly steadily since
the beginning of the year, though growth has slowed in the second half
of the year. Ukrainian Metals Traders Association president Andriy Fedosiyiv
said earlier that pipe production was growing largely on the back of
the favorable situation on foreign markets.
05.11.2007 Source: Ukrtruboprom
Ukraine uses over 81% of EU rolled steel quota in 10 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through October 2007 obtained licenses
to ship 1.074 million tonnes of rolled steel, or 81.34% of the country's
2007 quota of 1.320 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European
Union. The ministry said that since the beginning of the year, steel
mills received licenses to export 151,066 tonnes of SA1 category flat
roll in coils to the EU, or 79.51% of the quota for this commodity;
344,558 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled flat roll, or 88.35% of the quota; and
106,134 tonnes of SA3 flat roll, or 75.s81% of the quota. They were
licensed to export 49,593 tonnes of SB1 semi-manufactures and shapes
and sections, or 99.19% of the quota; 183,915 tonnes of SB2 commodities,
or 94.32% of the quota; and 238,359 tonnes of SB3 semi-finished and
wire rods, or 67.14% of the quota.
03.11.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine receives half of Russian cold-rolled steel quota
Ukrainian steelmakers have received licenses to export 100,000 tonnes
of cold-rolled steel products that are subject to licensing to Russia,
50% of the annual quota. Ukraine's Cabinet approved the amount of the
quota until June 30, 2010. The Economics Ministry and Russia's Economic
Development and Trade Ministry signed a three-year agreement to regulate
shipments of cold-rolled flat products from Ukraine to Russia in June.
The agreement went into effect on July 1, 2007. According to a Ukrainian
government resolution, the quota is 200,000 tonnes for this year (from
July 1); 205,000 tonnes from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009; and 210,000
tonnes from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The Russian ministry launched
an anti-dumping investigation into imports of cold-rolled flat products
from Ukraine in July 2006 following complaints by Russian steel majors
Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK), Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK)
and Severstal. In July of this year, the ministry stopped the investigation
into the Ukrainian imports, primarily from the Ilyich Iron & Steel
Works of Mariupol and Zaporizhstal. The annual quota is 175,000 tonnes
for Zaporizhstal and 25,000 tonnes for Ilyich; the corresponding quarterly
quotas are 43,750 tonnes and 6,250 tonnes.
03.11.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine uses 43.11% of quota for steel plate shipments to US over
10 months
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in the first ten
months of the year to supply 61,257 tonnes of cut carbon steel plate
to the United States, or 43.11% of its annual quota. The quota for 2007
was increased to 142,111 tonnes from 138,106 tonnes for 2006.
03.11.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine reduces coal production 4.8% in January-October
Ukraine reduced coal production by 4.8% year-on-year to 62.501 million
tonnes in the first ten months of 2007. Production of coking coal fell
6.5% to 23.671 million tonnes, and output of steam coal dropped 3.7%
to 38.830 million tonnes. The country mined 6.329 million tonnes of
coal in October, 2.2% less year-on-year. Production of coking coal rose
1.3% to 2.455 million tones, while steam coal output fell 4.3% to 3.874
million tonnes. Ukrainian coalmines fulfilled 99% of the ministry's
coal production target for the ten months, including 113.6% for coking
coal and 91.8% for steam coal.
03.11.2007 Source: Coal Industry Ministry of Ukraine
World Bank improves 2007 GDP forecast for Ukraine to 6.7%
The World Bank expects that GDP growth in Ukraine in 2007 will be 6.7%,
while earlier the forecast was 6%. According to a World Bank report,
the index of consumer prices is expected to grow by 12.5% in 2007, though
the bank's previous forecast was 9.7%. According to the bank, in 2008,
2009 and 2010, Ukraine's GDP is expected to grow by 5.5%, 5% and 5%
respectively. Ukraine's real GDP growth was 7.1% in 2006, while in 2005
it was 2.7%. The government forecasts a GDP growth slowdown to 6.5%
in 2007, along with a fall in inflation from 11.6% to 7.5%.
02.11.2007 Source: Interfax
October 2007
17 foreign companies interested in developing Volyn copper deposit
Seventeen foreign companies are interested in developing copper deposits in Volyn, in particular, the Rafaliv copper deposit (situated in Volyn and Rivne regions), which could yield an estimated 25.1-25.8 million tonnes of copper. Preparing the deposit for industrial exploitation will require investments of about USD 50 million. The source also reported that the investor company for deposit exploration and development will be chosen via tender, after it submits investment projects with banking feasibility studies and approval. The Volyn copper district includes four deposits with copper, gold, silver and platinum. Industrial development of these deposits will permit to completely cover Ukraine's domestic copper demand and also allocate some of the produce for export.
25.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine and USA agree on 150,00 tons of Ukrainian rolled metal supply
in 2008
Ukraine has agreed with the USA on the supply of 150,000 Ukrainian rolled
metal to the US market in 2008, Ukrainian Economics Minister said, by
way of commenting on his talks in the USA. According to Kinakh, the
parties decided to extend the agreement on suspending anti-dumping investigation
on some types of Ukrainian metal products by October 30, 2008. Ukrainian
metallurgists in January-September 2007 received licenses on the supply
of 61,740 tons of sheared carbon flat products, which is 43.44% of the
annual quota. In compliance with the agreement between the countries,
the quota for 2007 was increased from 138,106 tons to 144,111 tons.
24.10.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukrainian traders sell 45% more metals in January-September
Ukrainian metal traders increased sales by 45.1% year-on-year to 2.181
million tonnes in the first nine months of 2007, Ukrainian Metal Traders
Association president Andriy Fedoseyev said at a conference on the domestic
steel market held during the Metal Forum Ukraine on October 18-20. The
leading traders were the Metinvest group's Leman-Ukraine with 302,037
tonnes; Industrial Union of Donbas' (IUD) Ukrainian Mining and Metallurgical
Company with 221,483 tonnes; Zaporizhstal-related MD Group and Zaporizhmetallholding
with respectively 143,059 tonnes ad 57,980 tonnes; and independent traders
Komex with 135,518 tonnes, Vikant with 81,842 tonnes, Transagency with
63,184 tonnes and Kaskad with 47,797 tonnes. Fedoseyev said at a conference
that Ukraine was expected to nearly double imports of steel roll this
year, to 1.9 million tonnes. Consumption of steel products in the country
will reach 9.5 million tonnes as the market is "growing dynamically,"
he said. Imports of flat products jumped 150% year-on-year to 478,000
tonnes in the first nine months of 2007, and imports of long products
increased 18% to 266,000 tonnes, with the overall figure growing to
744,000 tonnes from 417,000 tonnes. The main suppliers of flat products
were Russian companies, with imports up 34% to 166,000 tonnes from Magnitogorsk
Iron & Steel Works; 26% to 126,000 tonnes from Novolipetsk Steel
(NLMK); and 10% to 46,000 tonnes from Severstal. In addition, Kazakhstan's
Mittal Steel Temirtau supplied 36,000 tonnes and other companies 104,000
tonnes, respectively 8% and 22% more. Ukrainian Association of Metal
Traders is one of the organizers of Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
24.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Russia might stop importing Ukrainian large-diameter pipes in 2008
Russia might stop buying large-diameter pipes from Ukraine's Khartsyzsk
Pipe Mill in 2008, the head of pipe industry association Ukrtruboprom,
Leonid Ksaverchuk said at a conference on the domestic metals market
held during the Metal Forum Ukraine on October 18-20. This is unconfirmed
information, he added. An official at Ukraine's Industrial Policy Ministry
told that exports of Khartsyzsk large-diameter pipes to Russia could
indeed fall considerably. The main buyer of Ukrainian large-diameter
pipes is gas giant Gazprom.
24.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Association of Rolled Metal Producers and Consumers starts working
in Ukraine
The Ukrainian Association of Rolled Metal Producers and Consumers (UARMPC)
started working in Ukraine, envoys of the Association told the Metal-Forum
of Ukraine-2007 Exhibition. Establishers of the UARMPC were the MetalurgProm
Production and Economic Enterprise (Dnipropetrovsk), ZaporizhStal JSC
(Zaporizhzhya) and Donix Scientific-Production Association (Donetsk).
The Headquarters of the enterprise is located in Dnipropetrovsk (East
Ukraine). "The new association's goals are to back and protect
rolled metal producers and consumers, meet requirements of enterprises
that use rolled metal in their production," President Pleksandr
Putnoki of the UARMPC said.
23.10.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukrainian steel plants to invest heavily in pulverized coal fuel
Ukrainian steel companies will build pulverized coal fuel facilities
with combined capacity of 7.5 million tonnes per year over the next
two to five years, the director of the state Coal Chemistry Research
Institute, Yevgeny Kovalev said on October 18. In the next few years
such facilities will be built for blast furnaces at Zaporizhstal, Alchevsk
Iron & Steel Works (AMK), Ilyich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol,
Enakievo Metallurgical Plant (EMZ) and Donetskstal, Kovalev said at
the Metal Forum Ukraine held in Kyiv on October 18-20. The planned capacity
of the pulverized coal facilities will be 2 million tonnes each at Zaporizhstal,
AMK and Ilyich, 1.2 million tonnes at EMZ and 0.3 million tonnes at
Donetskstal. Azovstal and Arcelor Mittal Kryvy Rih are also considering
building such facilities, Kovalev said. He said Ukraine annually consumes
about 17 million tonnes of coke, using 27 million-28 million tonnes
of coking coal for this purpose. The installation of the planned pulverized
coal fuel facilities is expected to annually save 6.4 million tonnes
of coke, or 8.32 million tonnes of coking coal.
23.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine plans to cut greenhouse gas emission by 20%
Ukraine means to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses by at least
20% by 2020, First Deputy Natural Environment Minister Sviatoslav Kurulenko
told at the conference "Current development problems in Ukrainian
mining and metallurgical industry". As he noted, Ukrainian metallurgical
producers are actively interested in the Kyoto Protocol. As of this
date, the Natural Environment Ministry has already issued 74 supporting
and 11 approval letters. The general cost of the projects, which are
presently being developed within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol
is some EUR 3.2bn.
22.10.2007 Source: Government portal
Ukraine exported 2.7% less flat steel products in January-September
Ukraine exported 6.641 million tonnes of flat steel products in the
first nine months of 2007, 2.7% less than a year earlier, the deputy
head of marketing at the Illich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol, Serhiy
Kovalenko said. Exports of hot-rolled coil fell 4.1% to 2.405 million
tonnes and exports of hot-rolled thin sheet dropped 10.3% to 155,000
tonnes, while exports of medium-thickness sheet and plate edged up 0.1%
to 3.087 million tonnes, Kovalenko said at a conference on the domestic
steel market held during the Metal Forum Ukraine on October 18-20. Exports
of cold-rolled coil declined 2.2% to 353,000 tonnes and exports of sheet
dropped 13% to 406,000 tonnes. Kovalenko said Ukraine exported 2.974
million tonnes of flat products to the Middle East in the nine months,
6.5% more year-on-year. Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol is partner
of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
22.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Metallurgical enterprises to up volumes of cast iron export
Metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine will soon increase the volume of
cast iron export, as well as import, chief of division of the Ukrainian
National Research and Information Center for Monitoring of Commodity
Markets (DerzhZovnishInform) Oleksandr Sheyko said at the Metal-Forum
Ukraine 2007 in Kyiv. According to Sheyko, in 2007 Ukraine exports some
2.1 million tons of cast iron, in 2008 it will export 3 million tons,
in 2009 4 million tons. In 2007 Ukraine is expected to import 135,000
tons, in 2008 160,000 tons and in 2009 at least 200,000 tons. In 2007,
in the expert's opinion, Ukraine will produce some 35.4 million tons
of cast iron, in 2008 24.8 million tons and in 2009 46.3 million tons.
20.10.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Steel consumption in Ukraine expected to jump 25-30% in 2007
Consumption of steel products in Ukraine could jump 25-30% this year,
to 9.5 million-10 million tonnes, according to a forecast cited by the
Derzhzovnishinform information center in a press release for the Metal
Forum Ukraine 2007 being held on October 18-20. Demand for steel products
in key sectors such as engineering, metalwork and construction is expected
to grow 40-50% in 2007. There is also expected to be an increase in
imports of steel products. Imports of rolled products jumped 37.7% in
the first eight months of 2007. Ukraine imported 765,000 tonnes of flat
products in the eight months, shipping in 90,000-110,000 tonnes per
month, compared to 60,000 tonnes per month in 2006. The growth is being
driven by a three-fold increase, to 325,000 tonnes, in imports of hot-rolled
products for pipe and railcar manufacturers.
19.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukraine sees higher steel output, stable export
Deputy Industrial Policy Minister Dmytro Kolesnikov told the international
Metal Forum of Ukraine 2007 in Kiev that more investment in steel was
the main reason for the higher output. He said mills were likely to
invest about USD 6.3 billion in modernisation in 2007, compared with
about USD 5 billion in 2006.
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18.10.2007 Source: Reuters
Hard times will come soon for Ukrainian iron and steel producers
The industry coordinators claimed that the domestic steelmakers enter
a rather difficult period. The reason for such claims became the deficit
of coke that emerged this summer, which already in September forced
the companies to cut the average daily output of cast iron by 500 thousand
tonnes as against this August.
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15.10.2007 Source: UFC Capital
Ukrainian steelmakers might boost output 8% in 2008
Ukrainian steelmakers might increase pig iron production by 9% to 38.897
million tonnes in 2008, and raise crude steel output 8% to 46 million
tonnes, the Head of Industry Association Metallurgprom, Vasyl Kharakhulakh
said. The forecasts are based on the tentative plans of steel plants,
which could be revised due to potential shortages of resources, such
as coke, of which there has been a severe shortage in recent months.
As a result of the coke shortage, pig iron production was 5.5% below
targets in September, he said. Most affected by the shortage were the
Illyich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol, ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih and
the Dzerzhynsk Iron & Steel Works (DMK). There will be coke shortages
next year as well, he predicted. Industrial Association Metallurgprom
is one of the organizers of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
11.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukrainian iron ore imports jump 66% in 9 months
Ukrainian steelmakers increased imports of iron ore commodities by 66%
year-on-year to 2.416 million tonnes in January-September. Concentrate
imports rose 11% to 1.006 million tonnes and sinter - 65% to 820,800
tonnes. Ukraine also imported 589,900 tonnes of sinter, compared with
54,100 tonnes in the same period of last year. In September, Ukraine
imported 411,900 tonnes of iron ore commodities, including 163,600 tonnes
of concentrate, 158,200 tonnes of sinter and 91,100 tonnes of pellets.
Growth in imports was noticeable despite the fact that Ukrainian mines
have stockpiled ore. The deputy chairman of mining association Ukrrudprom,
Yuriy Putrya said the additional amount of iron ore commodities needed
to support steelmakers' plans to boost pig iron production (4.5 million-5
million tonnes) is quite large and should be factored into plans ahead
of time. He said mining companies are now filling or actively entering
into contracts to export iron ore commodities and they are unlikely
to redirect exports to the domestic market.
11.10.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom
Ukraine reduces iron ore exports 2% in 9 months
Ukraine reduced iron ore exports tentatively 2% year-on-year in January-September
to 14.715 million tonnes. Iron ore concentrate exports fell 4% to 2.898
million tonnes, while pellet exports went down 6.8% to 5.102 million
tonnes. Sintering ore exports went up, by 3% to 6.715 million tonnes.
Ukraine exported 1.961 million tonnes of iron ore in September, including
459,000 tonnes of concentrate, 672,000 tonnes of sintering ore and 830,000
tonnes of pellets. The Poltava GOK mining company was the largest exporter
of pellets.
11.10.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom
US proposes to extend steel quota agreement with Ukraine
The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed to extend an intergovernmental
agreement regulating Ukrainian exports of cut-to-length carbon steel
plates for another year, until October 31, 2008, and to increase the
annual quota to 150,000 tonnes from the current 142,000 tonnes. First
Deputy Industrial Policy Minister Dmytro Kolesnykov said earlier that
his Ministry and the Economics Ministry plan to propose that to lift
quotas on exports of cut-to-length carbon steel plates to the United
States and replace them with Ukrainian suppliers' obligations to set
prices for their products that will not be lower than a certain minimum.
Exporters of such plate to the United States include the Metinvest group's
Azovstal, and the Ilyich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol. Ukrainian
steelmakers received licenses to ship 61,740 tonnes of cut-to-length
carbon steel plates to the United States in the first nine months of
2007, which amounts to 43.44% of the annual quota.
11.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine
Industrial production up almost 11% in Ukraine since January
Industrial production soared 8.4% in Ukraine in September 2007, year-on-year,
and 10.7% from January to September. Growth slightly slowed in September,
compared with August (7.9%), which resulted in a slowdown in the first
nine months. The slowdown was due to a decrease in growth in the metallurgical
sector from 11.3% between January and August to 10.5% from January to
September; in the wood-working industry from 25.4% to 24%, in construction
and glass production from 20.1% down to 19.1%, and in the chemicals
and petrochemical sectors from 5.4% down to 4.3%. Industrial production
growth reached 6.2% in 2006, compared with 3.1% in 2005.
10.10.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine
World Bank investment in Ukraine may reach USD 1 billion annually
in 2008 - 2011
The board of directors of the World Bank could approve a partnership
strategy for the World Bank and Ukraine for 2008 - 2011 envisions investment
of up to USD 1 billion annually in 2008 - 2011, senior economist at
the World Bank office in Ukraine Martin Raiser said at a press conference
in Kiev. Loans will make up $300 million - $400 million of annual investment
and the rest will be provided as investment credits. The World Bank
board of directors will confirm the strategy by year's end.
10.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Ukrainian coke production grows 5% in January-September
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 5%
year-on-year to 14.845 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2007.
Coke production has declined in recent months due to shortages of coking
coal. "The situation with coal supplies remains unsatisfactory.
Both shipments of Ukrainian coking coal to coking plants and imports
from Russia have decreased," the head of industry association Ukrkoks,
Anatoliy Starovoit said. Ukrainian coke-chemical plants ship about 50,000
tonnes of metallurgical coke per day. Steel plants do not have enough
coke due to the improved situation on the steel market, which is stimulating
growth in production of steel products and, consequently, demand for
coke, he said.
06.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Coal extraction down 5% in Ukraine in January-September
Ukraine's enterprises cut coal extraction by 5% in January through September
year-on-year, to UAH 56.129 million tonnes. Coal extraction was 5.847
million tonnes in September 2007, which is 5.3% down year-on-year. As
reported, coal minister Serhiy Tulub forecasted that coal extraction
in Ukraine in 2007 will not exceed the last year result of 80 million
tonnes.
05.10.2007 Source: Coal Industry Ministry
Ukraine uses 75% of EU rolled steel quota in 9 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through August obtained licenses to
ship 992,644 tonnes of rolled steel, or 75.2% of the country's 2007
quota of 1.320 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European Union.
Since the beginning of the year, steel mills received licenses to export
148,676 tonnes of SA1 category flat roll in coils to the EU, or 78.25%
of the quota for this commodity; 314,695 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled flat
roll, or 80.69% of the quota; and 97,411 tonnes of SA3 flat roll, or
69.58% of the quota. They were licensed to export 43,286 tonnes of SB1
semi-manufactures and shapes and sections, or 86.57% of the quota; 165,715
tonnes of SB2 commodities, or 84.98% of the quota; and 222,861 tonnes
of SB3 semi-finished and wire rods, or 62.78% of the quota.
04.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine uses 47% of Russia's cold-rolled steel quota
Ukrainian steel mills as of October 1 obtained licenses to ship 93,997
tonnes of cold-rolled steel, or 47% of the country's annual quota (from
July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) of 200,000 tonnes of cold-rolled steel
for Russia. As reported, the Ukrainian cabinet has approved the size
of quotas on the supply of Ukrainian cold-rolled steel to Russia by
June 30, 2010, according to a three-year agreement on the regulation
of cold-rolled steel supplies to Russia signed in June by the Russian
Economic Development and Trade Ministry and the Ukrainian Economy Ministry.
04.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine uses 43.44% of quota for steel plate shipments to US
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in the first nine
months of the year to supply 61,740 tonnes of cut carbon steel plate
to the United States, or 43.44% of its annual quota. The quota for 2007
was increased to 142,111 tonnes from 138,106 tonnes for 2006. As First
Deputy Industrial Policy Ministry Dmytro Kolesnykov previously said,
the Industrial Policy Ministry jointly with the Economy Ministry are
planning to suggest that the United States cancel quotas for the supply
of cut-to-length carbon steel plate and replace them with a deal with
Ukrainian producers to supply rolled steel at the minimum prices to
the U.S. market.
04.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
Ukraine increased pipe production 5% in 9 months
Ukrainian pipe mills increased production of metal pipe by 5.1% in the
first nine months of the year to 2.035 million tonnes. Production in
September totaled 204,100 tonnes of pipe. Production growth slowed in
recent months as equipment at several enterprises was under repair.
President of the Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders Andriy Fedoseyev
said the pipe market in Ukraine is relatively stable in terms of prices
and sales. Metal traders in Ukraine work mainly with domestic producers
and import small amounts from Russia and small shipments from other
countries. Fedoseyev said pipe production was growing mainly due to
favorable trends on foreign markets. Most of the pipe is sold in Ukraine
through metal trading companies, which account for about 80% of sales.
Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is one of the organizers of the
Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
04.10.2007 Source: Ukrtruboprom, Ukrainian Pipe Industry Association
Ukraine boosts steel roll output 6% in 9 months
Ukraine's steel industry increased finished roll output 6% year-on-year
in January-September to 26.97 million tonnes. Ukraine produced 31.943
million tonnes of crude steel, up 5%, and 26.604 million tonnes of pig
iron, up 9% year-on-year.
Iron ore concentrate production grew 9% to 45.604 million tonnes, pellet
production - 10% to 16.862 million tonnes and sinter - 5% to 37.227
million tonnes. Ukrainian coke production rose 5% to 14.845 million
tonnes and metalware output rose 1% to 327,000 tonnes.
02.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine
Ukraine's steel traders sell 1.384million tonnes of metal products
in 8 months
In January-August 2007, Ukraine's steel-trading companies either purchased
at domestic metallurgical enterprises, or imported and sold 1.384 million
tonnes of rolled metal according to operational data, which is 67.9%
more compared to the same period in 2006. President of the Ukrainian
Association of Metal Traders Andriy Fedoseyev told that steel traders
imported 116,987 tonnes of rolled metal over the eight months in 2007,
which is 5.4% more compared to the same period in 2006. In August steel-trading
companies purchased 210,718 tonnes of rolled metal, including 19,211
tonnes of imported rolled metal and 191,507 of rolled metal purchased
at Ukrainian enterprises. Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is
one of the organizers of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
02.10.2007 Source: Interfax
Market News Archive 2007:
September - July
April - June
January - March
