Ukraine increased production of steel structures by 2.3%

Export of steel structures in January–March decreased by 19% and amounted to just 4% of the total production volumes

According to the Ukrainian Steel Construction Center (USCC), in the first quarter of 2019, Ukrainian steel plants increased “visible” production by 2.3%, or 1 thousand tons, up to 44 thousand tons compared to the same period of 2018.

The overall increase in production was due to an increase in the production of steel structures used in general construction.

According to USCC, domestic consumption of steel structures remained unchanged compared to the previous year, around 42 thousand tons.

Export of steel structures in the first quarter decreased by 19%, down to 1.7 thousand tons, and included general steel structures only.

EU countries remain the key importers, with the share of 60% of the total export volume.

Imports of steel structures in the first quarter decreased by 52%, down to 0.3 thousand tons, compared to the same period of 2018. The import structure mostly included steel structures used in general construction — 95% of the total volume, and reservoirs — 5% of the total volume. 73% of imports came from the EU.

Imports of uncoated hot-rolled steel sheets almost doubled in the first quarter, up to 52 thousand tons. Imports of strips increased by 11 times, up to 18.5 thousand tons, whereas imports of cold-rolled steel products decreased by 14%, down to 30 thousand tons.

Imports of hot-rolled plates raised by 12%, up to 5 thousand tons. Imports of rebar and wire rods declined by 18%, or 28 thousand tons, and 60%, or 4 thousand tons, respectively compared to the same period of 2018. Imports of bars decreased by 36%, down to 32 thousand tons.

Imports of structural shapes grew by 10% compared to the same period of 2018, up to 10 thousand tons. Imports of channels grew by 2.6 times, up to 1.5 thousand tons, beams — by 7%, up to 4 thousand tons, and angles — by 5%, up to 4 thousand tons.

Imports of construction pipes grew by 6% compared to the same period of 2018, up to 12 thousand tons, including general seamless pipes — increased by 8%, up to 4 thousand tons; general welded pipes — decreased by 14%, down to 3 thousand tons; welded hollow sections — increased by 20%, up to 5 thousand tons.

As reported earlier, according to the USCC, consumption of steel structures in 2018 reached the level of 2012–2013 and amounted to 108 thousand tons, 54% up compared to 2017. The overall production was on the rise due to a growing segment of steel structures used in general construction.

As reported earlier, consumption of hot-dip galvanized coils decreased by 8% in the first quarter, down to 59 thousand tons.