SMU Data and Models
Mill Lead Times Stable to Extended
Written by John Packard
June 22, 2014
Flat rolled steel mill lead times continue to be extended compared to one year ago according to the results of the SMU steel survey completed late last week. Hot rolled lead times average 4.59 weeks, which is about the same as what was reported at the beginning of the month of June. One year ago HRC lead times were measured at 3.26 weeks. Hot rolled lead times peaked at 5.49 weeks in mid-April of this year.
Cold rolled lead times average 6.70 weeks, again about the same as earlier this month and well above the 5.46 weeks reported one year ago. The 6.70 weeks is about one week shorter than what we were seeing out of our survey during the months of April and May.
Galvanized lead times average 6.64 weeks, down slightly from the 6.86 weeks measured at the beginning of the month. Last year at this same point in the year, GI averaged 5.46 weeks. The lengthiest lead times we have seen this year was 7.84 weeks which was recorded during the middle of April.
Galvalume lead times extended slightly this past week and now average 6.75 weeks. This is very close to the mid-April 2014 peak of 6.80 weeks. Last year AZ lead times were reported as being 6.14 weeks.
With lead times stabilizing at historically (over the past few years) longer than normal levels has helped moderate the slide we had seen in pricing over the past few weeks (see lead time graph below).
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 diverge
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in different directions this week. Our Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index eased to a six-week low, while Future Buyers’ Sentiment ticked up to a four-week high. Both of our Indices continue to indicate optimism among steel buyers.
SMU survey: Mill lead times stretch out marginally
Steel mill lead times inched up this week for most sheet and plate products, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.
SMU survey: Mills remain open to negotiate prices, most buyers say
Negotiation rates have consistently been in the 70-80% range for over two months, relatively strong in comparison to levels seen across the past year.
SMU price ranges: Sheet slips, plate falls to 45-month low
Steel sheet and plate prices moved lower this week as efforts among some mills to hold the line on tags ran up against continued concerns about demand.