Sources of U.S. Demand for Metals∗

Abstract

Input-output simulation of the 1960-84 period for the U.S. permits an evaluation of the factors that affected the metals industries. Technical change, measured by coefficient change, was a major depressing factor on metals production, more important than rising imports in many instances. Ores were most depressed after 1972, followed by metals. Metal products, on the contrary, experienced above average growth, but there was much diversity among product types. Export demand for ferrous ore and metal fell sharply during the 1974-84 period, while nonferrous ores and metals showed little net change. Exports of metal products were generally strong.