DNIPROPETROVSK, Jan. 14 – Ukrainian metals companies in January-November 2009 posted almost UAH 5 billion in total pretax losses, while in 2008 they enjoyed UAH 17 billion in pretax profit.

The director of Metalurhprom association, Vasyl Kharakhulakh, gave the figures at a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian mining and metals sector in Dnipropetrovsk on Wednesday.

He said that profitability of metals companies over the first eleven months of 2009 came to minus 3.5-4%, while in 2008 it was plus 12.5-14.5%.