According to the local sources in Serbia, US Steel's Smederevo plant may shut down primary production completely in April, when its second blast furnace is planned be put into idle run.
In mid-January, the company had announced that the second blast furnace would be put in idle run; however there were some indications that the decision would be reversed.
Within the second blast furnace shut down following the first blast furnace shut down in October 2008, raw steel from both furnaces will probably not be produced until the end of 2009.
US Steel has not issued any official statement on shutting down its primary production or layoff possibilities. US Steel Serbia Director of Communications Nemanja Brković said that production was consolidated in order to meet orders.
On the other hand, starting on March 16, all 6,000 workers and the entire management will have four working days a week.
US Steel Serbia, which primarily produces sheet products, is Serbia's largest exporter.