According to Mr Vladimir Golovko chief editor at Ukrainian business portal UGMK.info at the 13th International Conference ‘Russian Metal and Steel Market'' 2010'' in 2010, the CIS apparent steel consumption is expected to increase to 45.3 million tonnes up from 35.8 million tonnes in 2009 while in 2011 it may rise further to 50.3 million tonnes, adding that the pre-crisis consumption level will be reached not earlier than in 2012.
Accordingly, in the current year, steel demand in Russia may reach 33.2 million tonnes up by 25% YoY, in Ukraine it may rise to 6.4 million tonnes up by 11% YoY, Kazakhstan may see steel demand of 3 million tonnes to 3.1 million tonnes up by 8% YoY to 10% YoY while in Belarus steel demand may total 2.2 million tonnes up by 15%YoY.