Russian steel demand downturn in 2016 may decline further Russia's economy as well as by the impact of oil prices fell sharply due to the crisis in Ukraine suffered sanctions. The Russian government said the second quarter the economy has improved, click here in 2015 GDP may fall 3.5-4%, higher than the previous forecast of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development fell 3.9% -4.4%, but the economic outlook next year is still not optimistic. Affected by Russia in the short-term steel demand decreased significantly. The latest forecast Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), Russia HRC demand this year will be 12.9 million tons, down 8% compared with 2014, next year may fall further 2.8%, down to 12.5 million tons. Cold rolled coils down 13.5 percent year on year, down to 2.8 million tons, next year a further 11% drop, down 2.5 million tons. Rebar this year will be 7.8 million tons, down 13.5 percent year on year, a further decline of 10% next year, down 7 million tons level. Galvanized and color-coated building this year to 3.1 million tons and 2 million tons, up sharply by 8% and 15%, next year will fall by 13% and 7%, respectively, down 2.7 million tons and 1.8 million tons. In the long term, taking into account the per capita housing area and other factors, the growth potential of the Russian steel demand is not great, but the short term may fall further.