Heavy metal. Keeping Europe competitive in the metals sector

European Innovation replaces the journal called 'Innovation and Technology Transfer'. The European Commission published a report on the
metals industry in August 2006(1). Following a public consultation on the impact of energy and raw materials on the industry’s competitiveness, the Commission is now considering whether any policy changes are necessary. Europe’s metals industries are facing unprecedented competition from China and other fast-growing economies. Prices are rising but so are production costs, especially
prices of energy and raw materials. While the steel sector is well placed to compete through innovation, the aluminium
sector is struggling to keep production within Europe.