SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Flat Rolled Lead Times Remain Short
Written by John Packard
March 8, 2015
Lead times on flat rolled products remained less than stellar based on the results of our last flat rolled steel market analysis conducted this past week. The respondents to our steel survey pegged hot rolled lead times as averaging 2.92 weeks, statistically unchanged from what we saw as an average during the middle of February. Hot rolled lead times continue to be 1 week shorter than what we were seeing at the beginning of March 2014. As you can see by the graphic below, hot rolled lead times peaked at 5.5 weeks back in April 2014 and have been weakening (getting shorter) ever since.
Cold rolled lead times, much like hot rolled, also remained short at 4.70 weeks. Over the past two months cold rolled lead times have been stuck at just below 5 weeks. One year ago CRC lead times were at 6.08 weeks.
Galvanized lead times have been hovering around 5 weeks over the past couple of months. One year ago GI lead times were closer to 6 weeks (5.88 weeks).
The only flat rolled item to see lead times extend from where they were reported two weeks ago was Galvalume which went to 5.75 weeks from 5.11 weeks. Galvalume lead times one year ago averaged 6.82 weeks.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Past survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices rebound
Following months of fluctuations, SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices rebounded this week, now at multi-month highs. Both of our Indices remain in positive territory and indicate that steel buyers are optimistic about the success of their businesses.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times remain stable and short
Steel buyers participating in our market survey this week reported stable mill lead times for both sheet and plate steel products.
SMU Survey: Most buyers report mills still willing to talk price
Most steel buyers SMU polled this week reported that mills remain willing to negotiate new order pricing.
October service center shipments and inventories report
Flat rolled = 63.4 shipping days of supply Plate = 52.4 shipping days of supply Flat rolled shipments and inventories Flat-rolled steel supply at US service centers remains seasonally high. October inventories increased after edging lower in September – a dynamic driven largely by disappointing demand. October’s report reflects lower demand and stable lead times […]