Steel prices got whacked in the recession. But with steel makers trimming down their debt and costs, the sector, and prices, should emerge stronger by 2013.

The tight trading range for arabica futures is set to go higher, as a much tighter supply situation is brewing.

The tight trading range for arabica futures is set to go higher, as a much tighter supply situation is brewing.

Lumber futures were felled last year by failed hopes for an economic recovery, a budding euro-zone debt crisis, and a languishing housing market. But in roughly six weeks, investors should see prices lift, thanks to returning demand across the globe.

China, having dominated the world market, slashes output and exports, and profits for mining companies stand to climb smartly.

The Baltic Dry Index, a gauge of industrial expansion based on the world’s ocean shipping, has lost adherents due to some economic mismatches. But that should fix itself as the supply of vessels falls into line.

Fears surrounding a fungicide affecting Brazilian oranges are turning out to be a tempest in a juice glass. So expect OJ futures prices, which had soared on supply-squeeze fears, to drop.

Live-cattle futures will stay high even if U.S. consumers can’t take the price hikes: The support will come from Japanese beef eaters, whose appetite for imported meat has grown as the yen has strengthened. Koreans like it, too.

Live-cattle futures will stay high even if U.S. consumers can’t take the price hikes: The support will come from Japanese beef eaters, whose appetite for imported meat has grown as the yen has strengthened. Koreans like it, too.

Because the yearly USDA forecast of spring planting showed larger-than-expected supply, hopes for higher prices will have to lie dormant until March or April.