Strong demand for flat products of Erdemir
Turkish integrated steel mill Erdemir is reported to receive flats order that is two and half fold more than the capacity of the mill for the first quarter of 2004. In the statement released from Erdemir, it is expressed that the mill is trying to meet flat steel need of the country with the capacity of producing 3'500'000 tons per annum. It is also stated that the flat steel users which cannot meet their requirements through imports have focused on domestic market and the development in the economy of the country and its positive effect on the capacity utilization have increased demand in the local market. In line with meeting the surging demand, Erdemir is reported to be focusing on investments in both Eregli and Isdemir, located in Iskenderun. Moreover, the company is stated to have revised its export program for the first quarter of 2004 to meet domestic orders. Since the beginning of 2003, Erdemir has increased its capacity by 400'000 tons to 3'500'000 tons.