According to expert assessment of the Association «Steels», output of rolled products of stainless steel in Russia in November 2009, compared with October, fell by 17.3% and amounted to 7533 tons. In the period from January to November 2009 compared to the same period of 2008, the volume of production of stainless steel products decreased by 40.1% and amounted to 65,840 tons.

Among the major producers of stainless steel biggest decline in volumes demonstrated VSW «Red October» and Zlatoust MK by 57.4% and 60.4%, respectively. MK Chelyabinsk, Izhstal and MMP Elektrostal reduced production volumes by 37, 1%, 28.2% and 33.1%, respectively.

According to expert assessment of the Association «Special Steel», the volume of stainless steel consumption in Russia amounted to 175−180 thous. Tons, up 40% in 2009, below the 2008 volume. Demand for stainless steel is still at a low level, but the bottom has passed. Gradually, the company-consumers start to form stocks, the level of which fell during the crisis to a minimum. Slightly better things, and in the warehouses of traders, many of whom prefer to work with «wheels» for specific customer orders.

In 2010, the state of the Russian stainless steel market will largely depend on the pace of recovery of the Russian economy and, especially, engineering sector. The implementation of major projects in nuclear engineering, shipbuilding and the manufacture of equipment for the oil and gas industry are designed to significantly increase the demand for the main types of stainless steel products in 2010.