According to the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation (Economy Ministry of Russia), in 2015 Russia's rolled steel production will rise by 21.7 percent compared to 2011, while production of steel pipes will go up by 14.1 percent compared to the same year.
Also, according to the ministry's forecast, rolled steel output in Russia in 2012 will increase by 5.6 percent, while Russian production of steel pipes in the year is expected to move down by 6.2 percent, both compared to 2011. Exports of steel pipes are expected to total 1.6 million mt in 2012, up 20-21 percent compared to the previous year.
In 2013, domestic consumption of steel pipes in Russia will likely return to the level of 2011 amid an expected upturn in demand for large diameter pipes from Russian gas company Gazprom for the construction of gas pipelines. As a result, exports of steel pipes from Russia may decline to 1.2 million mt in 2013.