MMK was the first among Russian steel companies to report on production for the first half of the year, which grew by 7.5% to 6.5 million tons. Analysts expect similar dynamics from other large companies in the industry, which in the second quarter are favored by strong demand in the domestic market and the weakening of the ruble. Analysts are hopeful of a return to paying dividends, although some of them note that production figures have only recovered to the average level of 2019-2020, and it is not yet known how much companies’ costs have risen against the backdrop of sanctions.