SAIL first-half output up 10%

 Production of steel through the continuous cast route went up by 13 per cent during April to September 2003. SAIL plants also crossed 100 per cent capacity utilisation for the first time in August 2003-04.

 Demand of steel in the domestic sector especially in automobiles, roads, heavy engineering, construction, oil and gas pipelines have triggered a rise in production.

 In exports, China has emerged as the biggest destination for the company, accounting for almost 40 per cent of its total exports.

 Exports during April to September 2003 stood at 600,000 tonnes, achieving a growth of 114 per cent over the corresponding period of last year. SAIL plans to export one million tonne steel in 2003.

 Sales too have registered a growth of 9 per cent in July-September quarter, a one per cent climb from the first quarter of the current financial year.

 The company