Tata Steel’s sales in the third quarter of financial year 2009 fell by 14 per cent. “Sales at 1.07 million tonnes were lower by about 14 per cent as compared to corresponding quarter last year due to current economic slowdown. However, 27 per cent growth has been registered in the Long Product sales during the third quarter at 0.48 million tonnes,” the domestic steel major said in a statement on Tuesday.

The company saw an increase in hot metal and crude steel production. The hot metal production at 1.70 million tonnes and crude steel production at 1.50 million tonnes was higher by 23 per cent and 17 per cent respectively compared to the same quarter last year. However, the saleable steel production during the quarter almost remained at the same level (1.24 million tonnes) as that of last year inspite of planned major shutdown of hot strip mill.