Belarus’ crude steel output down 6.9 percent in Jan-Oct

According to the data released by Belarus' National Statistical Committee, in the first ten months of 2009 the country registered a 6.9 percent decrease year on year in its crude steel production to 2.075 million metric tons, and a 2.2 percent drop in its finished steel product output to 1.96 million metric tons.
 
Meanwhile, during the period in question, Belarus' output of such products as steel pipe, wire rod and steel cord registered important decreases, of 31.7, 45.2 and 28.6 percent year on year respectively. The respective figures in metric tons were 88,200, 40,900 and 58,000.
 
As of November 1, 2009, Belarus' steelmakers have accumulated 4,800 mt of steel pipes in their warehouses, which is 75.6 percent of their average monthly pipe production volume. Compared to November 1, 2008, the producers' steel pipe reserves have increased by 5.2 percent.  The total value of steel products accumulated in the warehouses of local steelmakers amounts to Belarus Rubles 88.5 billion (approx. $32.5 million).