Russia ups crude steel production in 2006

According to the data released by the Russian Federation's Federal State Statistics Service, in 2006 the country increased its crude steel production by 6.8 percent year on year to 70.8 million metric tons. In addition, during the period in question, Russia registered a 10.7 percent increase in its billet production, a 8.5 percent increase in its long products output and a 4.1 percent increase in its flat rolled output year on year. The respective figures in metric tons were 48.4 million, 32.7 million and 24.9 million.