According to the latest information data provided by the «Special Steels' Association, stainless steel imports to Russia increased slightly in the first six months of this year. Volumes of Russian import of stainless products increased by 2.4% compared to the same six-month period last year, which amounted to 124 thousand tons. During the period from January to June last year, the volume of imports of steel reached a level of 121,300 tonnes.
The number of long steel products imported during the period January-June increased by 16.7% in the import of flat-rolled for the same period showed an increase of 7%, but the decline in imports of electric-welded pipes was 18% for the first half 2014 compared to the same last year period. At 21.7% in the period from January to June compared to the same period last year decreased the number of imported billets. At 33.7%, and decreased the amount of imported seamless pipes made of steel, but the wire rod imports dramatically increased by 18% compared to last year.
After a noisy stories with the termination of the Black Sea shipments related to the arising conflict situation between Ukraine and Russia, most of the businessmen prefer to report cases of force majeure, as the situation has caused a sharp increase in market prices and redistribution. Increased demands from Russia, China and India, there are some hints of an increase in demand in the United States. Chinese exports of steel products jumped in July by 43%, despite the loss of some orders in the Middle Eastern countries, taking into account the activity of Russian and Indian businessmen. According to the latest reports, the cost per ton CFRpri transactions in the UAE amounted to USD 533, while the other offers from the factory is 550−555 USD per tonne.
Russian production of increased levels of proposals by 40 USD / ton, an increase primarily affected the American orders, as preferred destinations closer. Indian shipments win by periods of 1 month, while shipments from China suggest 3hmesyachny term. Falling cost of scrap, iron ore and coke turn allow Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs, encouraging greater competition in the fight for the European and Middle Eastern markets. However, the advantage is still on the side of China.