71.   Steel makers want trade protection from low-priced imports, but they also want billions of dollars to help pay health and pension benefits.

72.   Steel makers, for example, are scrambling to cut expenses to offset the cost of firing their furnaces with natural gas.

73.   Steel shares were helped also by hopes that as U.S. steel makers raise prices, more customers will turn to Japanese steel makers.

74.   Steel makers are joining hands in various ways around the world.

75.   Steel shares were also helped by hopes that as U.S. steel makers raise prices, more customers will turn to Japanese steel makers.

76.   Steel maker like Sumitomo Metal and NKK Corp. are poised to benefit once the economy shakes off its sluggishness, said Boyce of James Capel Pacific Ltd.

77.   Steel makers are looking for help.

78.   Steel makers have slashed prices and absorbed losses rather than close mills and surrender market share.

79.   Steel makers in most other countries are struggling as well, in part because steel prices have dropped to the point where most cannot turn a profit.

80.   That means there will be less incentive for U.S. steel makers to peddle their products in Asia.