SMU Market Trends: Flat Roll Lead Times Extending

Hot rolled lead times now average 5.07 weeks, up from 4.50 weeks in mid-January, and at the highest level since June 2016.

Cold-rolled lead times average 6.93 weeks, a jump from 6.27 weeks a month ago, and at their longest since January 2017.

Galvanized lead times moved up to 7.08 weeks from 6.63 weeks one month ago. The galv lead time was at 6.0 weeks in mid-October, and thus has moved out by a full week over the past three and a half months. Galvalume lead times, at 6.86 weeks are up slightly from 6.64 weeks one month ago.

Overall, 55 percent of steel buyers reported that mill lead times are extending, while another 42 percent consider lead times normal for this time of year. Only 3 percent of respondents said lead times are shorter than expected. “Some mills are way behind. Most mills are shipping late,” commented one buyer.

Note: These lead times are based on the average from manufacturers 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.