SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times Inching Up?
Written by Tim Triplett
June 22, 2017
Steel mill flat rolled lead times, which have generally trended downward this spring, my be showing early signs of lengthening, reflecting new strength in demand for domestic steel products. Mills were successful in collecting a price increase earlier in the month. Despite SMU data that shows service center inventories at “comfortable” levels, some distributors may be shifting purchases to domestic suppliers, buying ahead of a Section 232 ruling that could further restrict steel imports into the United States on national security grounds. SMU will continue to watch this carefully in the days and weeks ahead.
Hot rolled lead times currently average around 4.50 weeks, up from up from 3.88 weeks at the beginning of June and 4.26 weeks a month ago. One year ago, HRC lead times were 5.00 weeks.
Cold rolled lead times remained largely unchanged from the beginning of the month at about 6.06 weeks, down slightly from 6.19 weeks this time last month, and from 7.42 weeks at this time a year ago.
Galvanized lead times average 6.68 weeks, up from 6.42 weeks on June 1 and 6.51 weeks a full month ago. One year ago, GI lead times averaged 8.15 weeks.
In Galvalume, lead times average 6.80 weeks, up from 6.38 weeks at the beginning of the month and 6.25 weeks a month ago. One year ago, AZ lead times were reported to be 8.33 weeks.
Note: These lead times are based on the average from manufacturing and steel service centers who participated in this week’s SMU market trends analysis. Our lead times do not predict what any individual may get from any specific mill supplier. Look to your mill rep for actual lead times. Our lead times are meant only to identify trends and changes in the marketplace.
Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU Survey: Current Buyers’ Sentiment Index jumps, Future Sentiment slips
SMU’s Current Buyers’ Sentiment Index rocketed up this week, while the Future Buyers’ Sentiment Index edged down. The two indices are almost at parity.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times stretch to 10-month highs
Buyers responding to our latest market survey reported that steel mill lead times were stretching out this week for sheet and plate products tracked by SMU. The results weren’t much of a surprise. Production times have begun moving out following a wave of frenzied buying in response to stricter Section 232 announced by the Trump […]
SMU Survey: Mills slam door on buyers looking to talk price
Mills’ flexibility on price for spot orders has taken a nosedive to levels not seen since the end of March 2023.
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment indicates increased optimism
After reaching multi-month lows in mid-January, SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices rebounded this week to some of the highest readings recorded in months.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times fluctuate, extensions expected
While we have seen some movements in recent weeks, steel mill production times remain within a few days of the historical lows observed over the last two years, a trend observed since mid-2024.