Croatian metallurgy, with its rich tradition and significant impact on the economy, faces changes and challenges in 2023, but also offers optimistic perspectives for the future.
Statistical data for 2023:
- Production: Total gross metal production in 2023 is estimated at 4.5 million tons.
- Exports: It is expected that around 3.8 million tons of metal will be exported in 2023, generating approximately 3 billion euros in revenue.
- Imports: Metal imports in 2023 are estimated at around 2.5 million tons.
- Employment: The metallurgical sector employs around 25,000 people in 2023, accounting for about 2% of the total employed workforce in Croatia.
Future Projections:
- Transition to Green Metallurgy: Croatian metallurgy is expected to focus on transitioning to green metallurgy in the coming years, with an emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources.
- Investments in Innovation: Significant investments in innovation and new technologies are projected to enhance the competitiveness of Croatian metallurgy in the global market.
- Sustainability and Digitalization: The metallurgical sector in Croatia is expected to shift towards sustainability and digitalization, focusing on process optimization and efficiency improvement.
Challenges:
- Global Competition: Croatian metallurgy faces strong global competition, making it challenging to maintain market share.
- Energy Prices: Rising energy prices pose a significant challenge for the metallurgical sector.
- Shortage of Skilled Labor: The shortage of skilled workers in metallurgical professions is becoming an increasingly significant issue.
Conclusion:
Despite challenges, Croatian metallurgy has strong potential for growth and development in the coming years. Transitioning to green metallurgy, investments in innovation, and digitalization are key factors that will enable Croatian metallurgy to remain competitive in the global market. With a proactive strategy and focused efforts, the metallurgical sector can continue to be a significant driver of the Croatian economy in the future.