According to the data for the first quarter of 2009, Ukraine registered a 26 percent year on year decrease in its steel exports to 5.9 million mt.
In Q1 2009, Ukraine exported 1.208 million mt of hot rolled steel products - down 39.5 percent, 2.14 million mt of square billets - down 5.8 percent, and 561,100 mt of rebar - down 27.1 percent, all compared to the same period last year.
On the other hand, in January-March 2009, Ukraine's steel exports, excluding pipes, to European Union countries went down by 34.8 percent to 915,600 mt, while its steel product exports to CIS countries decreased by 49.9 percent to 503,700 mt, both compared to Q1 2008. The Ukraine's steel exports to the US decreased by 99.1 percent year on year to 1,800 mt.
Meanwhile, China recommenced imports of steel from Ukraine, purchased 710,700 mt of steel products in the first quarter of 2009.