The Russian steel producer Severstal has increased its production operations in February by about 20 percent compared to November-December 2008, due to the revival in demand for steel products in the export markets, especially in China, and due to the slow revival in the Russian domestic longs market. However, the domestic flats market shows sluggish purchasing activities, while stocks are still full.
Accordingly, Severstal has increased its production output in Russia from 45-50 percent to 70 percent of full capacity; it has raised its output in North America from less than 40 percent to 55-65 percent, while in Europe the production output has remained at 60-65 percent of full capacity - all compared to November-December 2008.
In 2009 Severstal plans total investments worth $1.2 billion, but does not plan any acquisitions.
In 2008 Severstal produced 19.2 million mt of crude steel.