SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times Continue to Move Out
Written by John Packard
January 21, 2016
Based on the results of our flat rolled steel market analysis, all of the flat rolled lead times are averaging longer lead times than what we measured one year ago.
The SMU steel market questionnaire found the average lead time on hot rolled coil (HRC) was 3.91 weeks, up from a 3.63 week average reported at the beginning of January and well above the 2.81 weeks reported one year ago. Our respondents are reporting average lead times as being approximately one week further extended than what they were in November 2015.
Cold rolled lead times are averaging almost six weeks (5.85) according to our survey respondents. As with hot rolled, this is approximately one week longer than what we saw last January at this time and one week longer than what we reported in November 2015.
Galvanized lead times were reported to be averaging 6.5 weeks (6.45) which is almost 1.5 weeks longer than what was being reported in November 2015 and slightly more than a week longer than what we saw as the average in mid-January 2015.
Galvalume lead times, which had been relatively stable in recent weeks at about 6.3 weeks, moved out slightly to 6.63 weeks. Lead times now are about a half a week longer than what we saw in November and almost a week longer than what we reported in mid-January 2015.
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 […]