Russian imports of stainless steel products in December last year increased by 1.8 percent month on month to 32,076 mt, according to Russia-based SpetsStal Association.
In particular, in December Russia’s flat rolled stainless steel imports decreased by four percent, while its stainless steel seamless pipe imports increased by 157.2 percent, electric welded stainless steel pipe imports went up by 13.1 percent and stainless steel pipe fittings imports declined by 1.7 percent, all month on month. In the same month, Russia’s stainless steel long product imports indicated a decrease of 7.8 percent compared to November.
In 2016, Russia’s imports of stainless steel products exceeded 300,000 mt, increasing by 27.8 percent compared to 2015.
SpetsStal stated that the decline in external market prices allowed Russian importers to increase the volume of stainless steel imports in 2016.