Byelorussian Steel Works (BMZ) increased exports of steel products in January-September, the company says.

Nine-month exports amounted to 1.5 million tonnes, up by 12% on-year, Kallanish notes.

This year the plant exported steel to 51 countries, with the largest consumers being Russia, Germany, Israel, Lithuania and Poland.

More than 50% of all products exported by the plant went to the European market, where BMZ significantly increased the supply of structural steel and wire rod this year, the enterprise claims.

New capital overhauls of electric arc furnace shop No.1, shop No.2 and continuous caster No.2, as well as bar mill-320 are scheduled for October and early November (see Kallanish passim). The work will curb BMZ’s supply to the market of semi-finished and finished steel, particularly rebar.

BMZ suffered financial losses from its EAF stoppage during August precipitated by the social unrest seen in Belarus after the presidential election.

The company increased crude steel production in the first half of the year to 1.25mt, up by 16% on-year.