-Dialogue seems the order of the day. Buyers and sellers talking to one another- one sign of market forces at work.
-Many producers see their improved order book as a genuine sign that the market has turned in their favor. The first round of price increases was at least partially absorbed. And inquiries, if not orders, have been plentiful.
-A couple mills have strongly hinted that another price announcement is imminent.
-With inventory largely in check at new normal levels (read 2.1- 2.2 months on hand), buyers have little choice but to engage the market on a regular basis.
-Along with their tonnage inquiries, many are questioning the fundamentals- especially macro- behind recent price strengthening. How does HRC remain buoyant while nearly all other economic indicators and input costs slide?