Inner Mongolian Baotou Steel Union, a major steel maker in north China, Friday forecast losses of 1.3 billion to 1.7 billion yuan (190 million to 249 million U.S. dollars) in 2009.

In a statement to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Baotou Steel Union said its net profit in 2008 stood at 920 million yuan, with earnings per share at 0.14 yuan.

It said the loss was attributable to falling prices of its steel products amid the economic downturn and weak demand. While rising prices of raw materials including coal also contributed to its loss, it added.

Baotou Steel Union opened at 4.04 yuan per share on Friday, down almost one percent from the previous closing.

Baotou Steel Union's current market value stood at 25.9 billion yuan. It is one of the two Shanghai-listed companies under Baotou Iron and Steel, one of China's largest steel makers. The other is Baotou Steel Rare-Earth.