KYIV, Aug 2 - The Ukrmetalurgprom association of enterprises, on behalf of the enterprises of the mining and metallurgical complex of Ukraine, sent an open letter to the leadership of Ukraine about the need to take urgent measures to save the industry, which is critical for the economy of Ukraine, and which is now experiencing the most severe crisis in history.

According to the association's letter dated July 27, available to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, today the metallurgical complex is in an extremely difficult situation. This was due to a more than half reduction in throughput for the export of iron ore and ferrous metals because of the maritime blockade and logistical restrictions at the western border crossings, as well as high logistics costs due to transit exports through the EU territory and the rapid growth of rail transport tariffs. in Ukraine (by 141% for ore/coal/coke and 70% for ferrous metals over the last year), which makes Ukrainian products uncompetitive.