Russian imports of stainless steel products in April of this year increased by 14.5 percent month on month to 18,351 mt, according to Russia-based SpetsStal Association.
In particular, imports of flat products of stainless steel, long stainless steel products and stainless steel wire increased by 9.9 percent, 93.1 percent and 21.7 percent, all month on month, respectively. Russia's imports of seamless stainless pipes in April were up by 21.4 percent, while imports of stainless welded pipes increased by 8.1 percent, both compared to the previous month.
Meanwhile, in April, Russia's import volumes of stainless steel billets and valves decreased by 43.0 and 12.2 percent month on month, respectively. Imports of stainless steel had amounted to 10,821 mt in January, 18,017 mt in February and 16,029 mt in March. According to SpetsStal, the stabilization and further strengthening of the ruble gave confidence to Russian importers of stainless steel.