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
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.