Export and import trends of Russia’ steel products in 2017–2018

Abstract

Analysis of main indices of world steel industry presented, as well as those of some countries and of Russia for 2017– 2018. Dynamics and structure of production, consumption, export and import of main kinds of Russian steel industry products by results of 2018. In 2018 growth of world consumption amounted to near 80 Mt to the level of 2017, the main input made by Asian region. Its share amounted to near 90% of the growth, mainly by China. Excluding China, the Asian region amounted to 13% of the growth. Russia takes the 7th place in the world rating by steel consumption in 2018, by consumption per capita – the 16th position. In 2018 in Russia, 71.8 Mt of steel were produced, amounting to 6th place in the world rating. By results of 2018 Russian plants increased production of steel, finished rolled products and steel pipes comparing with 2017. The volumes of world trading by steel products keep growing. The world export by volume is estimated as 454.5 Mt. Countries with the biggest share of steel export of production volume presented. By the results of 2018 the steel industry of Russia is still export-oriented industry and keeps the 5th position among countries with the highest share of steel products export in the production and the 3rd place by the volumes of export shipping. During the last years the Russia’ external trade by ferrous metals is characterized by increase of export and import volumes. Structure of Russian finished rolled products export and import presented, as well as geography of supplies. The share of import rolled products in the domestic consumption amounted to about 14%. Main countries – net exporters and net importers of steel products presented. Russia being a net importer on the whole, takes the 3rd position by volumes. However, during several years by some groups of rolled products, Russia is a net importer. The domestic market is surely a key one for Russian plants. Howeve, the Russian plant not always manage to compete with cheaper import. Besides, some kinds of products are produced in insufficient volumes.