KIEV, July 16 - Ukraine's economy expanded 7.8% on the year in June, led by robust exports of steel and increasing domestic demand, the State Statistics Committee reported Monday.

The economy grew 7.9% on the year in January through June, faster than the 6.5% that the government had expected, the committee reported.

The strong economic growth comes amid rising consumer inflation, which has been supported by expectation of a poor grain harvest and increased spending.