Ukraine-headquartered global steel producer Metinvest Group has decided to temporarily suspend rolling operations at its assets based in Italy, as a measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus. According to the company statement, Ferriera Valsider and Metinvest Trametal will be shut down until April 3. The company also considers it possible that the Italian government may implement some additional restrictions, which could result in a longer suspension period for the mentioned facilities.
Partly in this regard, Metinvest expects a certain decrease of output at its Ukraine-based integrated plants, Azovstal in particular, where slab production could be affected. In addition, Metinvest may reconsider the timelines for the launch of blast furnaces No. 4 at Ilyich SW and Azovstal after heavy repairs, while the restart of BF No. 5 at Zaporizhstal may also be postponed. The final decision will be made according to the availability of orders in April and the general market situation, SteelOrbis understands.