Embodied consumption of U.S. copper and sulfur: Implications for intensity of use estimation and forecasting.

Abstract

Domestic mineral consumption is defined as a net sum of apparent consumption plus embodied mineral contained in net imported goods. The U.S. is a net importer of copper-containing products, such as automobiles, electrical products, and construction and industrial machinery. Embodied copper which is contained in net imports of these products constitute part of domestic copper consumption. On the other hand, the U.S. is a net exporter of sulfur-using/embodying products, such as fertilizers and grains. The sulfur which is contained/employed in manufacturing exported products is not actually part of domestic sulfur consumption. Net embodied U.S. imports (exports) of copper (sulfur) are estimated. For copper, it is shown that domestic U.S. consumption is understated and increasing, intensity of use is constant rather than decreasing, and, in general, forecast increases in domestic consumption of copper are due mainly to embodied copper imports. For sulfur, it is shown that domestic consumption is overstated and declining; domestic intensity of use is also declining. The domestic copper and sulfur industries will be differentially impacted as a result of this increased reliance on overseas markets.