As reported by Industry Week, the nation's steel capacity utilization is on the rise, but cost pressures on scrap and ore could create a new set of problems. They also went on to say that after just 12 short months after the onset of the recession, the steel industry is back. The demand for steel has skyrocketed both in the U.S. and worldwide, pushing steelmakers to between 70 to 75% of capacity. This is nearly two-thirds busier than at the start of 2008, when operating rates were roughly half that mark.

Despite the upturn in demand, optimism remains cautious. When CEOs from some of the largest steelmakers in the U.S. met at the 118th annual meeting of the American Iron and Steel Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., much of what was expressed was skepticism that the good times will last.

"We are seeing in some sectors a much stronger uptick," said Dan DiMicco, CEO of Nucor. "Automotive is one, and in the last quarter or so, appliances and the energy sector. We are optimistic, but we are cautiously optimistic." Read the complete article.