DNIPROPETROVSK, July 18 - Dniprometiz, a Ukrainian metalware plant, is proposing a strategic partnership agreement with Mittal Steel Kryviy Rih in order to make the steelmaker's pricing more predictable.

Dniprometiz representative Dmitry Sergeyev said at a meeting of Mittal Steel Kryviy Rih partners that the plant is one of the steel company's key customers. Dniprometiz bought more than 120,000 tons of wire rod from Mittal Steel Kryvy Rih in 2005, and expects to use 140,000 tons this year.