SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times: Still One Week Shorter than Year Ago Levels
Written by John Packard
October 8, 2015
Flat rolled steel mill lead times remain historically short as the domestic mills struggle to keep their mills full. Based on the results from this week’s flat rolled steel market analysis (survey) we are seeing lead times at least one week shorter than this time last year on all products with the exception of Galvalume.
Hot rolled lead times remained about the same as what has been reported over the last couple of months. The average lead time based on our respondents was 3.19 weeks compared to 3.04 weeks (statistically insignificant) two weeks ago and 3.11 weeks at the beginning of September.
Cold rolled lead times dropped by about a half a week from 5.65 weeks two weeks ago down to 4.95 weeks this week. One year ago CR lead times were 6.04 weeks.
Galvanized lead times dropped from 5.83 weeks two weeks ago to 5.32 weeks this week. One year ago GI lead times were averaging 6.05 weeks according to those responding to our survey.
Galvalume lead times dropped one half week compared to two weeks ago but are only a third of a week less than one year ago.
Here is what lead times have averaged over the past year based on the results of SMU flat rolled steel market survey.
To see an interactive history of our Steel Mill Lead Time data, visit our website here.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
May service center shipments and inventories report
Flat rolled = 57.1 shipping days of supply Plate = 55.7 shipping days of supply Flat rolled US service centers reined in flat roll supply in May, coinciding with declining shipments. At the end of May, service centers carried 57.1 shipping days of supply, according to adjusted SMU data. That’s down slightly from 57.6 shipping […]
Survey says: Market hit with another blast of tariff whiplash
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.