CEO says Severstal's capacities loading falls to 75%

MOSCOW, Jul 21 (PRIME) -- Russian steelmaker Severstal ‘s loading has decreased to 75%, CEO Alexander Shevelyov said on Thursday.

"Consolidated sales decreased by 6% in the first half of the year to 5 million tonnes, while the key blow was dealt in the second quarter -- sales declined 17% in April–June,” Shevelyov said.

“We were forced to change our production plan due to these difficulties with sales… Loading of production capacities decreased to 75%."

He also said that the prime cost of the goods grew due to inflationary pressure from transport and tariffs of the natural monopolies.

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