SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times: Getting Shorter
Written by Tim Triplett
August 9, 2018
Lead times for steel delivery are a measure of demand at the mill level. Lead times on most flat rolled steel products continue to shorten, according to Steel Market Update’s latest market trends data, suggesting that the mills are not as busy as they were earlier in the year and may be more open to negotiation. Lead times for hot rolled now average less than five weeks, cold rolled less than seven weeks and galvanized less than seven and a half weeks. Galvalume lead times are about the same. While mill lead times are still extended compared to this time last year, they are gradually moving back toward more typical delivery times.
Hot rolled lead times now average 4.60 weeks, down from 5.39 weeks a month ago, and down from the April peak of 5.73 weeks.
Cold rolled lead times, at 6.57 weeks, are down from 7.33 weeks in early July. Last year at this time, CR lead times averaged 6.25 weeks.
The current lead time for galvanized steel is 7.29 weeks, down from 7.71 weeks at this time last month. A year ago, lead times on spot orders of galvanized averaged 6.54 weeks.
At 7.88 weeks, Galvalume lead times are relatively unchanged over the past couple months, but up from 6.30 weeks this time last year.
Note: These lead times are based on the average from manufacturers 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. To see an interactive history of our Steel Mill Lead Times data, visit our website here.
Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest 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 […]