Russian imports of stainless steel products in December last year increased by 23 percent month on month to 26,485 mt, according to Russia-based SpetsStal Association.
Meanwhile, in December Russia’s flat rolled stainless steel imports increased by 18.6 percent, stainless steel seamless pipe imports rose by 83 percent, while electric welded stainless steel pipe imports expanded by 41.2 percent, stainless steel billet imports moved up by 518.6 percent, and stainless steel pipe fittings imports increased by 19.3 percent, all month-on-month. In the same month, stainless steel long product imports increased by 36.8 percent compared to the previous month. In December, only stainless steel wire rod imports indicated a decrease, declining by 18.7 percent compared to November.