Steel Mill Lead Times Extend Again, But Pace Moderates

Steel mill lead times continue to extend, but they are rising at a more moderate pace compared to early March. Steel Market Update’s latest check of the market indicates that lead times for sheet and plate increased by an average of 0.6 weeks, compared to an average jump of 1.2 weeks two weeks prior.

Buyers surveyed Monday through Wednesday of this week reported mill lead times ranging from 4-8 weeks for hot rolled, 6-8 weeks for cold rolled, 5-10 weeks for galvanized, 7-12 weeks for Galvalume, and 5-8 weeks for plate.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.