Ukraine posts decline in steel exports

Ukraine posts decline in steel exports

Ukraine's finished steel exports fell 3.8 percent year on year to 25.6 million metric tons in 2005. On the other hand, the domestic sales of finished steel rose 8.7 percent year on year to 7.5 million metric tons last year. Ukraine's steel exports to China decreased 64 percent in 2005. However, exports increased to Africa, Middle East, India and Pakistan. Ukraine's steel exports are expected to remain tense in 2006 due to the increasing production in China and tougher competition.