According to the estimates of the Russian Union of Metal and Steel Suppliers, Russian
pipe production for 2006 is expected to increase by 19.8 percent year on year to 7.3 million metric tons.
In 2007,
Russia's
pipe production is expected to rise by 12.4 percent year on year to 8.3 million metric tons due to the predicted increase in the
consumption of large diameter pipes.
The rise in the
consumption of large diameter pipes has been projected due to the implementation of new gas pipeline projects as well as new housing
construction programs planned for 2007.