Tags: Belarus , CIS , steelmaking , production | similar articles »

According to the data released by Belarus' National Statistical Committee, in the first four months of 2010 the country registered a 2.4 percent decrease year on year in its crude steel production to 883,300 metric tons, and an 8.3 percent drop in its finished steel product output to 792,000 metric tons.
 
Meanwhile, in January-April this year, Belarus' output of steel pipes increased by 78.1 percent year on year to 52,800 metric tons, including 34,500 metric tons of seamless pipes - up 180.7 percent year on year. On the other hand, the country's steel wire rod and steel cord production went down by 20.1 percent and 1.5 percent year on year respectively to 22,600 metric tons and 30,500 metric tons.
 
Compared to March this year, the country's crude steel output in April increased by 8.9 percent (235,000 mt), while its finished steel products output went down by 10.9 percent (179,000 mt), its pipe production decreased by 23.7 percent (12,600 mt), its steel wire rod output declined by 15.2 percent (5,800 mt), and its steel cord production went down by 30.9 percent (5,800 mt).
 
As of May 1 this year, Belarus' steelmakers had accumulated 4,500 mt of steel pipes in their warehouses, a figure which equals 40 percent of their average monthly pipe production volume. The total value of steel products accumulated in the warehouses of local steelmakers as of May 1 this year amounted to Belarus Ruble 113.2 billion (approx. $37.8 million).