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MOSCOW, May 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's output of metals and metal products in the first four months of 2006 rose by 10.5% year on year, the Industry and Energy Ministry said Wednesday.
The ministry said production in 4M06 had increased year on year 3.4% for rolled metal products, 14.4% for steel tubing, 1.4% for primary aluminum, 7.4% for refined copper, and 10.9% for nickel.
The ministry forecast non-ferrous rolled metal production in 2006 at 55 million metric tons, a 0.7% increase from 2005, with aluminum and refined copper production expected to rise 2% and 0.2%, respectively.
Production of pipes in 2006 is estimated at 7.2 million metric tons, a 7.9% increase on the last year's figure.
