Yes, I should have been more clear there: they could catch up in volume but it will require a different mindset if they want to become a net exporter of such items.
replyTo add a meta contribution to yours using anecdotes:
replyUS pipeline for metallurgical R&D broken (by financial/cultural incentives)
This guy studied metallurgy in Carleton U, Canada, switched to CS, founded YC, emotionalized the decision
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39600555
Who knows, he might have become John Carmack's John Carmack, building rockets better than Carmack or Elon
And yet, it could be done, I'm pretty sure of that.
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