SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times: Weaker than Last Year
Written by John Packard
September 27, 2015
Over the course of this past week Steel Market Update (SMU) conducted our flat rolled steel market analysis. Part of that analysis was focused on the domestic steel mill lead times for new orders placed last week for future delivery. We follow lead times as they are one of the early key indicators as to changes in mill order books which are then translated to their lead times.
At first glance at last week’s result, what we found is hot rolled lead times continue to be short and are not making any headway. Cold rolled and galvanized lead times continue to be about one week shorter than what we saw one year ago. Galvalume is now being reported as being one half a week shorter than this time last year.
Here is where we see lead times averaging this past week and how they compare to the past year.
To see an interactive history of our Steel Mill Lead Time data, visit our website here.
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 […]