According to the Ukrainian association of metal producers Metallurgprom, in June-July this year Ukrainian steel producers gradually increased their average daily pig iron output, and they are expected to continue this positive trend throughout August.
In July, Ukraine's average daily pig iron output increased by 13.4 percent month on month, i.e. by 9,000 mt to 76,200 mt, while over the first seven months this year the country's average daily pig iron output amounted to 67,600 mt, down 33.3 percent year on year. Ukrainian steelmakers continue to increase their capacities: over the first 10 days of August, Ukraine's average daily pig iron output reached 80,100 mt.
According to the Metallurgprom data, as of August 11, 28 of Ukraine's 41 blast furnaces are operating, as well as 19 of the country's 21 converters, and 15 of its 42 open hearth furnaces.
In January-July this year, Ukraine produced 14.332 million mt of pig iron, down 33.6 percent compared to the same period last year.