SMU Data and Models
Lead Times Extend on All Flat Rolled Products
Written by John Packard
April 3, 2014
Mill lead times moved out over the past two weeks. We are seeing lead times extending by as much as one week on hot rolled and cold rolled and three quarters of a week on galvanized. We did some quick checking and HRC, CRC and GI lead times are the furthest we have recorded since we began collecting lead time data in August 2011. Galvalume lead times remained relatively stable at 6.78 weeks, which is almost one full week longer than at this time last year.
Hot rolled lead times were almost two weeks further out this week than during the same week last year. Cold rolled lead times were actually slightly greater than two weeks versus last year. In 2013 galvanized lead times averaged 4.85 weeks and this week we have them averaging 6.71 weeks – almost two weeks longer than one year ago.
Lead times are an important indicator of order flow and the strength of the market. This week may be a bit unusual having two U.S. Steel steelmaking facilities experiencing unplanned outages.
SMU lead time data is based on responses provided during our flat rolled steel market analysis which we conduct twice per month. The lead time is the average of the responses provided by manufacturing companies and service centers in the United States and Canada.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
Survey says: Tariff whiplash replay activated
If you’re feeling a sudden jerk and a case of tariff whiplash coming on, you’re not alone.
SMU flat-rolled 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 sinks to near pandemic levels
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in opposing directions this week. Our Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index sharply fell to one of the lowest levels recorded in five years, while Future Buyers’ Sentiment marginally improved.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times tick higher after late-May lows
All five of the averages for sheet and plate mill lead times tracked by SMU extended moderately this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.
SMU Survey: Mills less negotiable on sheet prices, buyers say
Most steel buyers responding to our market survey this week reported that domestic mills are considerably less willing to talk price on sheet products than they were in recent weeks, but remain open to bargain on plate prices.