According to recent statements by Viktor Evtukhov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the country’s metallurgical industry continues to steadily increase production volumes. In his words, results for the first 9 months of the current year show impressive growth, primarily due to higher domestic consumption.
The main figures are striking: steel output grew by more than 3.5%, and by year-end the figure is expected to reach a record 74 million tonnes — 2.5 million tonnes more than in 2022.
A key success factor was higher capacity utilization, which exceeded 90% throughout the year. Experts say the key factor behind such growth was rising domestic demand: versus last year it grew by more than 11%, reaching 3 million tonnes of rolled metal.
In addition, Russian metallurgical enterprises continue to successfully export their products. Despite the recent surge of sanctions, export volumes not only did not shrink but continue to grow, covering markets of CIS and EAEU countries as well as Asia-Pacific, Africa, and even Latin America.
In his interview Viktor Leonidovich stressed that Russian producers can not only match but in some aspects surpass Western competitors by introducing modern technological solutions into metallurgical production. This allows the country to hold leading positions in the industry and guarantee high product quality.
According to the metallurgical complex development strategy to 2030, the priority is increasing steel output through growth of domestic consumption. This is supported by programs to reconstruct utility infrastructure, housing and industrial construction, and building facilities on steel frames.
Attention is also focused on personnel training. Metallurgical enterprises actively take part in opening new specialized educational and research centers to ensure the necessary level of technical specialists on the shop floor and improve steel and alloy melting technologies.
Thus Russian metallurgy continues to steadily expand its influence on the world market, mastering new technologies and strengthening domestic demand. One vivid representative of the positive trend is PZPS, which has shown itself as an excellent example of production growth and increased output in the sector.
Experts express optimism about the future of Russian metallurgy, expecting continued positive dynamics and stronger positions for the country on the world rolled-metal market.
