Chief Economist Report

2023 CHIEF ECONOMIST REPORT

On 11 May 2023, in advance of the presentation of the European Semester Spring Package, Ceemet launched its Chief Economists Report for 2023. Each year, Ceemet’s Chief Economists Group gives its overview of the economic developments within the MET sector.

2022 CHIEF ECONOMIST REPORT

We are living through turbulent times for the Metal, Engineering and Technology-based (MET) sector. After decades of peace in Europe, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought about the unthinkable. This, coupled with already existing issues, such as the disruptions in supply chains and labour shortages, to name but a few, are creating an extremely challenging environment for companies.

2021 CHIEF ECONOMIST REPORT

With the value of production decreasing by 11%, Europe’s industry is experiencing the worst industrial crisis since World War II. Despite many challenges Europe’s MET sector managed to (slightly) grow employment levels to nearly 17.5 million. However, to recover and to keep pace with the requirements of the digital and green transformation solely increased industry investment levels won't be enough. All information is also available on: https://cer.ceemet.org/

2018 CHIEF ECONOMIST REPORT

1,25 million reasons to support manufacturing in Europe. After difficult years followed by stagnation, export is fueling the recovery of the Metal, Engineering and Technology-based industries (MET). But the consequences of the financial crisis, the Euro crisis, and also budget policy restrictions are still present. And another risk to productivity growth is the shortage of STEM workers and digital skills. The technology and industry companies are a sector of high-skilled and quality jobs, with high wages. The attractiveness of the sector seems not to get across.

2017 CHIEF ECONOMIST REPORT

'international', 'interlinked' and 'growing' is what can be said of the Metal, Engineering and Technology (MET) sector. Industries have been slowly recovering but highly depend on export. Although the MET industries created 1 million new jobs between 2013 and 2016, the employment in the MET industries was still 600 000 persons lower than in 2008. The future of the MET industries will depend on the level 'innovation' and the access to the right digital 'skills'.

2016 CHIEF ECONOMIST REPORT

Lifting the  Industry - CEEMET 's 2015/2016 economic snapshot of manufacturing in Europe. Since the recession hit the Metal, Engineering and Technology-based (MET) sector, uncertainty has weighed. However the MET sector still represents half of the EU’s total manufacturing output and is therefore a crucial job and wealth creator. In order to capitalize on future growth, Europe must commit to a renewed focus on competitiveness allowing for more investment in high skilled workers, modern equipment, infrastructure and innovation