Not really. It depends on how much scrap steel they send us in the form of "new goods" versus the amount we send them back. The volumes or weight might still match.
As far as the "cost" relative to refining. ... If you had some one willing to sell you gold at $32/oz but would only sell you an ounce a year, and you needed 66 oz/yr, Would you not still buy the $32 dollar ounce when you could? I know I would.
jk