Ukraine Boosts Steel Production by 23.1% in 2024

According to data released by the Ukrainian Steel Industry Association, Ukraine is set to increase its steel production by 23.1% in 2024, reaching 7 million tons. The report indicates that Ukraine's rolled steel production rose by 18% to 5.7 million tons during the January-November period, while pig iron production increased by 19.8% to 6.5 million tons. However, steel production could sharply decline if Ukraine loses its only supplier of coking coal due to Russian forces approaching a mine in the eastern town of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian military analyst DeepState noted that Russian troops are less than 7 km from the outskirts of Pokrovsk. The mine is located 10 km west of the town, which serves as a strategic supply hub, in the opposite direction of the advancing Russian forces.