In 2010, the CIS's apparent steel consumption is expected to increase to 45.3 million mt, up from 35.8 million mt in 2009, while in 2011 it may rise further to 50.3 million mt, Vladimir Golovko, chief editor at Ukrainian business portal UGMK.info said at the 13th International Conference ‘Russian Metal and Steel Market' 2010', adding that the pre-crisis consumption level will be reached not earlier than in 2012.
Accordingly, in the current year, steel demand in Russia may reach 33.2 million mt - up 25 percent, in Ukraine it may rise to 6.4 million mt - up 11 percent, Kazakhstan may see steel demand of 3-3.1 million mt - up 8-10 percent, while in Belarus steel demand may total 2.2 million mt - up 15 percent, all compared to 2009.