Ukraine ups iron ore exports in 2006

According to the preliminary data issued by the Ukrainian Association of Ore-dressing Enterprises (Ukrrudprom), in 2006 Ukraine saw a 2.1 percent increase in its iron ore exports, a 13.4 percent increase in its concentrate exports, a 9.1 percent increase in its sintering ore exports but recorded a decrease of 10.1 percent in its pellets exports year on year. The respective figures in metric tons were 19.9 million, four million, 7.3 million and 8.6 million. On the other hand, during the same period the country recorded a 14.8 percent decrease in its iron ore imports year on year to 14.5 million metric tons. In particular, in 2006 Ukraine's imports from the Russian Federation totaled 1.2 million metric tons of iron ore concentrate –down 11.4 percent, 729,000 metric tons of sintering ore – down 6.2 percent, and 106,600 metric tons of pellets - down 55.1 percent, all compared to 2005.