According to the Ukrainian association of metal producers Metallurgprom, during the first quarter of this year the Ukrainian steelmakers have continued to increase their average daily pig iron output, registering an 18 percent growth year on year to 77,500 mt compared to 65,700 mt in the same period last year.
In March this year, Ukraine's average daily pig iron output rose by 8,000 mt month on month to 82,400 mt. Meanwhile, average daily pig iron output in the period between April 1 and 12 amounted to 80,700 mt.
According to the Metallurgprom data, as of April 13, 10 of Ukraine's 41 blast furnaces continue to stand idle. In addition, two of the country's 21 converters, 17 of its 35 open hearth furnaces and 10 of its 15 electric furnaces also continue to stand idle.