CEE Metal Processing Sector Report 2025-2026

Considering capacity utilisation, as of 2024, Slovakia recorded the highest capacity utilisation rate in basic metals, reaching 80.3%, indicating stable demand and efficient production across its steel and non-ferrous segments. This strong performance is largely supported by Slovakia's integrated industrial network, especially its automotive and machinery sectors, which create sustained demand for primary and semi-finished metal products. In contrast, Croatia experienced a dramatic fall, with utilisation plunging from 86.3% in 2023 to just 53.3% in 2024, due to rising energy costs, temporary plant suspensions, and insufficient industrial demand, especially from its modest domestic manufacturing base. This volatility underlines the structural fragility of Croatia's metal sector, which lacks strong linkages to high-volume industrial customers.

This report provides a complete and detailed analysis of the "Metals and mining" sector for Central and Eastern Europe. EMIS Insights presents in-depth business intelligence in a standard format across countries and regions, providing a balanced mix between analysis and data.

What this report allows you to do:

• Understand the key elements at play in the "Metals and mining" sector in Central and Eastern Europe
• Crystallise the forces both driving and restraining this sector in Central and Eastern Europe
• Ascertain Central and Eastern Europe’s position in the global sector
• Build a complete perspective on sector trade, investment and employment
• Understand the competitive landscape and who the major players are
• View M&A activity and major deals
• Gain an understanding of the regulatory environment for the sector in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Build a clear picture of trends, output and consumption for specific sub-sectors