SMU Data and Models
Lead Times Hold Steady
Written by Tim Triplett
August 3, 2017
Flat rolled lead times have seen little change in the past month.
Twice per month, Steel Market Update conducts an analysis of the flat rolled sheet and plate markets based on responses to a comprehensive questionnaire. When looking at lead times, the analysis is restricted to responses from manufacturers and distributors, who accounted for 84 percent of the total return. Steel mills, trading companies and toll processors are not invited to participate in lead time questions.
Hot rolled lead times continue to be in the low to mid four-week time frame (4.46 weeks). This is slightly longer than what we saw one year ago when lead times were reported to be averaging 3.80 weeks.
Cold rolled lead times are approximately six weeks (6.25 weeks), which has not changed much in the past two months. Last year, the average lead time for cold roll was slightly higher at 6.71 weeks.
Likewise, galvanized lead times have stayed in the mid six-week range (6.54) with only small variation in the past two months. This time last year, galvanized lead times averaged 7.08 weeks.
Galvalume lead times averaged 6.75 weeks in the most recent survey, up from 6.30 weeks a month ago, but down from 7.25 weeks last year.
Note: These lead times are based on the average from manufacturing and steel service centers who 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. To see an interactive history of our Steel Mill Lead Times data, visit our website here.
Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU’s June at a glance
A look at SMU data for the month of June.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment rebounds from multi-year low
Both of SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices edged higher this week. Current Sentiment rebounded from a near five-year low, while Future Sentiment rose to a two-month high
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 lead times pull back after early-June blip, plate holds
Following the uptick seen two weeks ago, lead times eased this week for all four sheet products tracked by SMU, while plate lead times held steady, according to this week’s market survey.
SMU Survey: Pricing power abruptly shifts to steel buyers
The majority of steel buyers responding to our latest market survey say domestic mills are more willing to talk price on sheet and plate products than they were earlier this month. Sheet negotiation rates rebounded across the board compared to early June, while our plate negotiation rate hit a full 100%.