SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times Slip Further
Written by John Packard
February 5, 2015
Flat rolled steel mills saw their lead times shorten according to the buyers and sellers of steel responding to this week’s market analysis. Weakening lead times are one of the keys which is impacting flat rolled and scrap prices – both down big over the past few weeks.
Hot rolled lead times average 2.79 weeks, which is essentially unchanged from two weeks ago but is much lower than the 3.89 weeks reported one year ago.
Cold rolled lead times also shrunk slightly over the past two weeks from 4.90 weeks to 4.77 weeks. One year ago CR lead times averaged 6.32 weeks.
Galvanized lead times dropped by almost half a week as we saw our average drop from 5.21 weeks to 4.83 weeks. One year ago GI lead times averaged 6.18 weeks.
Galvalume lead times dropped from 5.83 weeks to 5.50 weeks. We are now looking at AZ lead times as being 1.21 weeks shorter this week than the same time one year ago
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU Survey: Current Sentiment tumbles on tariffs, uncertainty, soft demand
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in opposing directions this week. Our Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index dropped to one of the lowest levels recorded in over five years, while Future Buyers’ Sentiment inched higher.
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: Buyers report little change in sheet and plate lead times
Steel buyers report steady lead times for sheet and plate products, a soft-sideways trend we've seen since May.
SMU Survey: Mills remain flexible on pricing, buyers say
The majority of steel buyers responding to our market survey this week continue to say that mills are negotiable on new spot order prices. Negotiation rates have remained high since May.
Service centers: Mill orders improve in July
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) moved higher in July after rebounding the month prior. The shift comes after mill orders declined from March through May.