Ukrainian metal companies increased production during the first four months of 2008, according to the Ministry of Industrial Policy.

By May 1, crude steel production increased by 471,000 tons, or 3 percent year-on-year, to 14.68 million tons.

Cast iron production rose by 401,000 tons, or 3 percent yoy, to 12.17 million tons.

Finished steel production grew by 507,000 tons, or 4 percent yoy, to 12.5 million tons.

Iron ore production climbed by 1.52 million tons, or 6 percent yoy, to 26.76 million tons.

Ore concentrate production increased by 1.51 million tons, or 8 percent yoy, to 21.27 million tons.

Sinter production gained 190,000 tons, or 1 percent yoy, to reach 21.27 million tons.

Pellet production remained at its 2007 level of 7.48 million tons.

Coke production jumped 630,000 tons, or 9 percent yoy, to 7.33 million tons.

Ferroalloy production slumped by 193,000 tons, or 35 percent yoy, to 356,000 tons.

Pipe production dropped 110,000 tons, or 14 percent yoy, to 816,000 tons.

Hardware production slid 17,000 tons, or 11 percent yoy, to 133,000 tons.

Also, 2.33 million tons of scrap metal was recycled between January and April, an 80,000 ton or 4 percent increase over the 2007 numbers.