SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times Flat Based on SMU Survey
Written by John Packard
May 4, 2017
Flat rolled steel lead times are running essentially flat (same as what we have been reporting over the past few weeks) based on the responses we received from manufacturing companies and service centers this week.
Lead time is the amount of time it takes a domestic steel mill to produce a new order if placed today. Lead times are referenced in the number of weeks required and the numbers referenced in this report are the average lead time from all of the responses received in our flat rolled steel market trends analysis conducted this week.
Hot rolled lead times are averaging close to 4.5 weeks (4.37) slightly less than the almost 5 weeks reported in mid-March and early April of this year and significantly shorter than the 5.39 weeks registered at this point last year.
Cold rolled lead times average close to 6.5 weeks (6.46) or about the same as what was reported just a few weeks ago. One year ago, CRC lead times were closer to 8 weeks (7.88).
Galvanized lead times are averaging close to 7 weeks (6.82) which is where we have been over the past four surveys. One year ago, GI lead times averaged 8.47 weeks.
Galvalume lead times averaged close to 7 weeks (6.89) according to those responding to our inquiries. This is close to where we have been over the past couple of months and not too far from the 7.22 weeks reported last May.
A side note: The data for both lead times and negotiations comes from only service center and manufacturer respondents. We do not include commentary from the steel mills, trading companies, or toll processors in this particular group of questions.
To see an interactive history of our Steel Mill Negotiations data, visit our website here.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices stable to start 2025
Both SMU Steel Buyers' Sentiment Indices remain in positive territory, indicating that steel buyers are optimistic about the success of their businesses.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times short and steady to start 2025
Buyers participating in our first market survey of 2025 reported a slight decline in mill lead times compared to our last survey in mid-December. After rising moderately in early December, lead times edged lower through this week and are now only slightly above the lows seen back in July and November. Overall, production times have remained historically short since last summer, with minimal movement since then.
SMU’s December at a glance
SMU’s Monthly Review provides a summary of important steel market metrics for the previous month. Our latest report includes data updated through December 31st.
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices contrast at year end
Both of our Sentiment Indices remain in positive territory and indicate that steel buyers are optimistic about the success of their businesses.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times contract slightly, remain short
Steel mill production times have seen very little change since September, according to buyers participating in our latest market survey.