According to estimations of the Russian Special Steel and Alloys Consumers and Suppliers Association (Spetsstal), in the first half of this year Russia's consumption of the main stainless steel products has almost reached the 2008 level, amounting to about 140,000 mt.
Meanwhile, Russia's production of rolled stainless steel in the first half of the current year increased by 64.5 percent to 45,100 mt, while the country's imports of rolled stainless steel in the six months in question went up by 81.2 percent to 83,400 mt, both compared to the same period last year.
In H1 2009, the consumption of the main stainless steel products in Russia had decreased by 48.4 percent compared to H1 2008, amounting to only 79,400 mt.
"The rapid recovery in consumption of stainless steel was possible due to increased production in the consuming sectors of industry and in construction," Spetsstal said.
In 2010, the consumption of stainless steel in Russia is expected to increase by 25 percent year on year to around 240,000 mt.