KIEV, Dec. 15 ??“ Ukraine??™s economy expanded 8.2% on the year in November led by robust exports of steel, the country??™s main export commodity, the State Statistics Committee reported Friday.

The economic expansion accelerated to 6.7% on the year in January through November suggesting the annual growth may exceed the government??™s target of 5.8% to 6%.

President Viktor Yushchenko said last week that Ukraine??™s economy may grow 7% on the year in 2006, up from 2.6% in 2005.