SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill Lead Times Flat
Written by John Packard
July 20, 2017
Flat rolled lead times remain flat compared to what we reported for early July, as well as one month ago.
Twice per month, Steel Market Update conducts an analysis of the flat rolled sheet and plate markets. This is done through the use of a comprehensive questionnaire focused on manufacturing companies and service centers, which combined account for 86 percent of the total responses received. However, when looking at lead times, we restrict the responses to only manufacturers and distributors. We do not invite steel mills, trading companies and toll processors to participate in our lead time questions.
The lead times we reference below come through our survey process and are an average of the responses seen. For exact lead times from any specific mills, contact your local representatives.
Hot rolled lead times continue to be in the low to mid 4-week time frame (4.25 weeks). This is similar to what we saw one year ago when lead times were reported to be averaging 4.00 weeks.
Cold rolled lead times are approximately 6.5 weeks (6.38 weeks), which is very similar to what we reported one year ago (6.63 weeks).
Galvanized lead times were slightly lower than what we saw at the beginning of this month. This week our average lead time on GI is 6.56 weeks vs. the 6.84 weeks reported at the beginning of the month. One year ago, lead time average on GI was 7.38 weeks.
Galvalume lead times averaged 6.33 weeks, almost the same as what we reported at the beginning of July (6.30 weeks). One year ago, AZ lead times were 7.11 weeks.
Note: These lead times are based on the average from manufacturers and steel service centers that participated in this week’s SMU market trends analysis. Our lead times do not predict what any individual may get from any specific mill supplier. Look to your mill rep for actual lead times. Our lead times are meant only to identify trends and changes in the marketplace.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
Most steelmaking raw material prices decline through June
According to our latest analysis, prices for four of the seven steelmaking raw materials we track declined from May to June. Collectively, these materials declined 3% month over month (m/m) and are down 9% compared to three months ago.
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.