UKRAINE: CONSUMPTION FORECAST

摘要

In Q1 2019, steel pipe apparent consumption increased by 26.1% q-o-q (up?24.8% y-o-y) to 173,700 t. The hike is related to the increase in shipments of pipes for construction application (seamless standard pipes and hollow sections) ahead of high construction season along with the rise in speculative sentiments. Steel pipes consumption is expected to keep growing over the forecast period. The market will mostly get support from purchases by UkrGasVydobuvannya (UGV) announced under the Strategic Programme 20/20, as well as from implementation of large infrastructure projects and a programme for development of Ukraine's gas transmission system. Still, the positive market scenario may be implemented only if cooperation with international financial institutions continues, while negative influence of political factors on economy is minimized.