Leapfrogging, consumer preferences, international trade and the intensity of metal use in less developed countries : the case of steel in Korea

Analysis of the steel market in Korea. Over the last several decades steel consumption in Korea has expanded greatly, partly because of a rapidly growing economy. The intensity of steel use is at a level considerably above the world average. In general, metal demand is likely to expand substantially in those less developed countries enjoying rapid economic development, both because the overall economies of these countries are growing rapidly and because their intensity of metal use is likely to rise over time. Statistics, 1962-1986. (Economische Voorlichtingsdienst)