Press Release: Steel industry: Commission publishes the 2001 Forward Programme

The year 2000 was a record year for Europe's steel industry and the prospects for 2001 point to continuing stability at a high level, according to the 2001 Forward Programme for Steel, published by the European Commission. This forecast sets out the current state of and short-term prospects for the Community steel market. The Report was adopted following examination by a consultative committee of trade unions, traders, consumers and steel industry representatives. The Commission's analysis highlights good results for the sector in 2000. The European steel industry accounts for 20% of the world market, and had a record total output of 163 million tonnes in 2000.