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IMF evaluates trends for metal industry

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20 September, 2000"Prospects for the Global Metal Industry" is hot off the press and can be downloaded under "Publications" on this website.

GENEVA: A report which not only examines the position of the metal industry in the world economy and in selected countries and regions, but also outlines forecasts for future development trends in this industry, has just been published by the International Metalworkers' Federation. Entitled "Prospects for the Global Metal Industry," two sectors of the metal industry are the subject of special focus in this study: motor vehicles and radio, television and communication equipment.
The first part of the report gives an assessment of the industry. Its significance is illustrated on the basis of data on employment, production and foreign trade, broken down by region and selected countries. The essential structure within the metal industry is also shown.
The study continues with an analysis of the development of the industry from 1987-1997. It contains detailed reports on the development of production, employment, foreign trade and investment activity and serves as a basis to explain long-term trends such as regional and sectoral structural changes, as well as causes and effects.
However, the evaluation of future economic development for the metal industry is not deduced solely from extrapolating current trends. The third part of the report seeks to identify variables which speed up, slow down or even reverse existing trends, including political decisions on general conditions, and to depict likely trends.
The last section of the document contains quantitative forecasts for production and employment trends in the metal industry up to the year 2005. Prospects for the sub-branches mentioned above get special consideration.
Download "Prospects for the Global Metal Industry," under "Publications" on this website, in English and French (German and Spanish by early next week).
Hard copies in these four languages can be ordered from IMF headquarters in Geneva by e-mail: [email protected] or fax: +41-22-3085055.