NZ Steel returns to profit in first half, export competitiveness still unclear

NZ Steel returns to profit in first half, export competitiveness still unclear
Pattrick Smellie
By Pattrick Smellie Feb. 20 (BusinessDesk) - A cost reduction drive, higher global steel prices, and synergies between recently acquired Pacific Steel and the New Zealand Steel plant at Glenbrook have seen a strong return to operating profit for Australian steelmaker Bluescope's New Zealand operations. In the half-year to Dec. 31, Bluescope's New Zealand operations showed earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of A$59.4 million, a turnaround of A$74.9 million from the A$15.5 million ebitda loss in the same period a y...