Ukraine releases 2006 pipe data

In 2006, Ukraine registered a 14 percent increase in its pipe production year on year to 2.6 million metric tons. During the period in question, the country also saw an increase in its pipe exports. Thus, in 2006 Ukraine exported about two million metric tons of pipes - up 16.6 percent compared to 2005. In December alone, Ukraine exported 179,479 metric tons of pipes, showing a slight decrease as compared to November 2006. The main importers of Ukrainian pipes in December were Russia – with a 41.6 percent share of Ukrainian pipe exports, UAE – with a 5.9 percent share, and Germany – with 5.8 percent. On the other hand, imports of pipe by Ukraine in December 2006 almost retained their levels of the previous month. Thus, during the period in question, Ukraine imported 7,300 metric tons of pipes, mostly from Russia, Italy and China.