-Mill lead times are short and as the traditionally slower summer months approach, it will be difficult to fill the books without further price cutting.

-Since input costs continue to drift downward across the board for steel producers, mills will have some room for further price concessions.

-Worries over European markets and continued Chinese overproduction do not make the case for a change in momentum soon.

-However, a summertime supply disruption could spur a change in market attitude– much has been written in recent weeks regarding troubles at RG and TK. 

-With US capacity utilization rates hovering around 80% during recent weeks, maintenance outages may be strategically employed to bring supply a little more in line with current demand.