OREANDA-NEWS. Ukrainian steel works had a slow production month in September, with steel output declining 3% and rolled product production dropping 5%. The only two companies that showed positive dynamics in September were Enakievo Metals Plant (ENMZ) and Alchevsky Metals Plant (ALMK), which increased steel production by 8% and 9%, respectively.

According to Alfa Capital Ukraine, in 9M07 most companies ramped up production, with total rolled product output growing by 6% y-o-y to 27.2 mln t and steel by 5% y-o-y to 31.9 mln t. The leaders in the rolled product category are Nyzhnedneprovsky Pipe Plant (+18% y-o-y to 0.2 mln t), Alchevsky Metals Plant (+7% y-o-y to 2.6 mln t) and Donetskstal (+8% y-o-y to 0.6 mln t). Steel prices remain strong and 25-30% higher y-o-y, which should lead to solid financial results for 3Q07 and 4Q07.