Belarus ups steel exports in 2006

In 2006, Belarus saw an 11.9 percent year on year increase in its steel products exports up to 1.83 million metric tons. However, the country saw a decrease in its shipments to the CIS by 7.1 percent to 557,800 metric tons during the period in question. In particular, shipments to Russia decreased by 13.4 percent to 435,900 metric tons. On the other hand, Belarus saw a 23 percent year on year increase in its steel exports to states outside the CIS, rising to 1.27 million metric tons in 2006. The main importers of Belarusian steel products in 2006 were Latvia, Poland and Italy.