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The American steel industry primarily produces recycled steel

The American steel industry is indeed a leader in the production of recycled steel, primarily through the use of electric arc furnaces (EAFs). Electric arc furnaces have become the dominant technology in the U.S. steel industry, and approximately 70% of American steel production uses EAFs.1 This method is not only more energy-efficient but also helps in reducing the overall demand for raw materials and lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional steelmaking processes.2

The emphasis on recycling within the American steel industry is driven by several factors, including the availability of scrap steel, advancements in EAF technology, and a regulatory environment that promotes low-emissions steel. The United States generates a substantial amount of steel scrap annually from sources such as old automobiles, appliances, and construction materials, providing a steady supply of raw materials for EAFs. Around 80-90% of all steel in the United States is recycled.3

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Footnotes​

  1. American Iron and Steel Institute (n.d.). Steel Production. https://www.steel.org/steel-technology/steel-production/ ↩

  2. American Iron and Steel Institute. (2020). Sustainability in Steel Recycling. https://www.steel.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Steel-Sustains-in-Recyclability-Fact-Sheet.pdf ↩

  3. United States Geological Survey. (2023). Iron and Steel Scrap - Mineral Commodity Summaries. https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-iron-steel-scrap.pdf ↩