South Africa’s domestic steel sales up in Q1
According to the statement made by South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI), South
Africa's domestic steel sales reached 1.42 million tons in the first four months of 2004, revealing a 16.3% increase compared to 1.23 million tons registered in the same period of last year.
Sales of long and flat products soared by 25% and 9.2% to 689'800 tons and 734'500 tons respectively in the mentioned period. These figures were 551'900 tons and 672'700 tons respectively in the same period of last year.
In April, total sales reached 375'400 tons with a rise of 26.2% compared to April 2003, but decreased by 0.6% compared to previous month.
In 2003, total domestic steel sales amounted to 3.74 million tons, down by 17.2% compared to 2002 due to increased South African currency.