The Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant, one of Russia’s largest ferroalloy producers, has announced it will reduce its workweek as part of a broader ‘anti-crisis program’ aimed at addressing the severe challenges facing the metallurgy sector. The move comes amid reports of declining demand, supply chain disruptions, and rising production costs that have significantly impacted the industry.
Industry officials have cited a combination of global economic slowdowns and domestic policy constraints as key factors driving the current crisis. The plant’s decision to cut the workweek reflects a broader trend of cost-cutting measures being adopted by Russian industrial firms to remain competitive and avoid further financial losses.
Analysts suggest that the metallurgy sector is particularly vulnerable to these pressures due to its reliance on raw materials and export markets. The implementation of the anti-crisis program highlights the growing economic strain on Russia’s industrial base and underscores the need for targeted government intervention to stabilize the sector.