It is reported that Russian stainless steel consumption in the first nine months of 2011 totals 276,300 tonnes, up by 20.7% YoY, while local output rose by 11.5%, exports 34.2% and imports 27.2%.

The most import dependent consuming sectors are flat rolled products with the imports share at 71%, wire at 68.8% and welded tubes at 63.8%. This year the 50% threshold was surpassed by longs which share grew from 36.3% in 2010 up to 52.5% in 2011. Close to the 50% threshold come seamless tubes (49.7%) and ingots/slabs (48.7%).

(Sourced from www.ussa.su)