Ukraine ArcelorMittal Jan/June steel output falls 6 pct

Ukraine`s biggest steel mill, owned by ArcelorMittal, was quoted as saying on Friday it had reduced steel output by 6 percent to 3.92 million tonnes in January-June 2008, according to Reuters.

The plant produced 4.18 million tonnes of steel in the first six months of 2007.

Local news agencies reported the mill had decreased rolled steel output to 3.47 million tonnes so far in 2008 from 3.57 million a year earlier.

Pig iron output fell to 3.47 million tonnes from 3.70 million.

The company raised steel output to 8.10 million tonnes in 2007 from 7.6 million in 2006. The company also increased rolled steel output to 7.12 million tonnes last year from 6.9 million in 2006.