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
SMU Scrap Survey: Current and Future Sentiment tick down
SMU’s Current Sentiment Index for scrap decreased this month, a move mirrored by our Future Sentiment Index, according to the latest data from our ferrous scrap survey.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment slips again, future outlook improves
Each of our Sentiment Indices continues to reflect that steel buyers are positive about their present and future business prospects, though that confidence has eased considerably compared to the beginning of the year.
SMU scrap market survey results now available
SMU’s October ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
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.
SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times stabilize
Sheet and plate lead times saw minor shifts this week, according to SMU’s latest market survey. Sheet times have inched up over the last month but remain within days of multi-year lows, as they have since May. Plate lead times have bobbed within a tight range for months, hovering roughly a week longer than this time last year.