OREANDA-NEWS.  Q1 2013 NLMK steel output further increased to 3.7 m t, with steelmaking facilities running at close to maximum levels (94%). Finished steel production went up by 5% qoq to 3.8 m t.

 Q1 sales sequentially increased to 3.8 m t (+2%) driven by the seasonal customer restocking. Rolled steel sales grew by c.8% qoq to 2.6 m t, while sales of value added products1 increased by 9% qoq to 1.3 m t.

 Sales in Russia exceeded the record levels set in the previous quarter, reaching 1.336 m t (+1% qoq), with Russian sales accounting for 36% of total sales. Key international markets were Europe, USA, South-East Asia, as well as the Middle East.