SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times Beginning to Move but Still Below Year Ago Levels
Written by John Packard
December 17, 2015
Flat rolled steel lead times, according to those responding to this week’s market analysis questionnaire, have begun to move. The question now becomes will they continue to move and will they move out far enough to force buyers back into the market?
Our respondents reported hot rolled lead times as having extended slightly from the 3.05 weeks reported at the beginning of December to 3.32 weeks this week. Over the past 3 months lead times have been averaging less than 3.0 weeks. One year ago HRC lead times were reported to be averaging 3.53 weeks.
Cold rolled lead times also move out slightly and are now reported to be averaging 5.0 weeks. One year ago CRC was averaging 5.5 weeks.
Galvanized lead times also moved out a tick to 5.52 weeks from the 5.20 weeks reported two weeks ago. Last year at this time GI lead times averaged 5.78 weeks.
Galvalume lead times are now being reported as averaging 6.38 weeks slightly longer than the 6.13 weeks reported two weeks ago and above the 5.55 weeks reported at this point in time last 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
Apparent steel supply eases in August
The volume of finished steel entering the US market declined in August from July, according to SMU’s analysis of data from the US Department of Commerce and the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Referred to as ‘apparent steel supply,’ we calculate this monthly rate by combining domestic steel mill shipments and finished US steel imports and deducting total US steel exports.
September service center shipments and inventories report
Flat rolled = 60.8 shipping days of supply Plate = 52.7 shipping days of supply Flat rolled Flat-rolled steel supply at US service centers declined in September, though still seasonally high. September’s report reflects lower demand, stable lead times, and restocking early in the third quarter at a perceived bottom in prices. At the end […]
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 diverge
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in different directions this week. Our Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index eased to a six-week low, while Future Buyers’ Sentiment ticked up to a four-week high. Both of our Indices continue to indicate optimism among steel buyers.
SMU survey: Mill lead times stretch out marginally
Steel mill lead times inched up this week for most sheet and plate products, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.