Analyses whether G7 advanced economies require virgin steelmaking capacity, or whether scrap-based electric arc furnace production provides an adequate alternative. Examines scrap availability, quality constraints, defence requirements, and economics across G7 countries. Argues that commodity blast furnace production represents economic subsidy rather than strategic necessity for most G7 members, whilst identifying three distinct policy categories: commodity carbon steel (no subsidies warranted), specialty flat products (limited DRI-EAF support), and alloy steel capabilities (active protection justified). Includes country-specific assessments for the UK, Germany, France, Italy, US, Canada, and Japan.
Andrzej M. Kotas (Mon,) studied this question.