KHI Pipe exports pipes

JAKARTA (JP): PT KHI Pipe Industries, a unit of state-owned steel maker PT Krakatau Steel, shipped yesterday 5,000 tons of spiral steel pipes to the United Kingdom.

Company executive director Murbiantoro said in a statement that yesterday's shipment was part of the company's plan to export 16,000 tons of spiral pipes worth US$5.9 million to Europe, Asia and Australia this year.

When launching the shipment in Cilegon, West Java, Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi Ramelan said KHI Pipe's steel pipe exports should reduce Indonesia's trade deficit in the pipe trade.

Indonesia's imports of steel pipes were valued at $361 million last year, while exports were only $11 million. (rid)