SMU Data and Models

Lead Times Continue to Slowly Extend

Written by John Packard


Lead times moved out slightly on three of the four flat rolled products: hot rolled, cold rolled and galvanized. The only product which essentially remained the same was Galvalume.

Hot rolled lead times averaged 4 weeks, according to the results of this week’s flat rolled steel market analysis (survey). This is up from 3.66 weeks and we have seen lead times move out approximately one week since the middle of April.

Cold rolled lead times moved up ever so slightly to 5.78 weeks and CR lead times have extended approximately ¾ of a week since mid-April.

Galvanized lead times also extended by approximately ¼ of a week as our average moved from 6.0 weeks to 6.29 weeks. This is 1 week longer than mid-April.

Galvalume remained at approximately 6.5 weeks which is also about one week longer than what we saw in the middle of April.

 

Latest in SMU Data and Models

SMU Survey: Sentiment splits, buyers have better view of future than the present

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in opposite directions this week. After rebounding from a near five-year low in late June, Current Sentiment slipped again. At the same time, Future Sentiment climbed to a four-month high. Both indices continue to show optimism among buyers about their company’s chances for success, but suggest there is less confidence in that optimism than earlier in the year.