My basic research focuses on steel and steel recycling in global value chains. I investigate the supply and demand for steel scrap as well as international trade in steel scrap using techno-economic tools.
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More broadly, I analyze energy intensive industries as well as material and energy demand along global value chains. To this end, I employ input-output techniques, decomposition analyses, and general equilibrium models grounded in trade theory. In my research, I study the connection between final demand and material as well as energy along global value chains. In other words: How does an increase in demand for cars in China affect copper mining in Chile?
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I have contributed to studies combining input-output methods with demand system estimations to quantify household-level heterogeneity in material use and greenhouse gas footprints. Furthermore, I have developed and applied trade-theory based general equilibrium models to study phenomena ranging from climate policy to regulating the use of sand in South-East Asia.
Applying methods to analyze global value chains, my applied research focuses on steel recycling and the steel industry. I employ quantitative tools to study the impact of tariffs and non-tariff barriers on steel scrap markets. I conceptualized and quantified the scrap bonus, the societal benefits of steel recycling as well as developed policy options to internalize these benefits into the price mechanism. My work defined and quantified the steel intensity of consumption, an indicator measuring the amount of steel required by households’ consumption. I have contributed to projects studying the future of the automotive sector in Europe.