In 2013, steel consumption in Russia will reach 44 million tons, according to the head of the department of commercial sales of Evraz Holding Dmitriy Barashkov.

The main drivers of growth of the demand for steel products in 2012 included the increase in oil prices, the support of the construction industry from public and private investment, as well as the present underdeveloped state of housing and the infrastructure. The main trend on the market in 2012, which was the increase in demand for steel construction materials, is expected to reverse its course in 2013. As such, supply will outpace demand, increasing the competition and making the situation difficult for traditional market players.