Are Steel Mill Lead Times Flattening Out?

Steel mill lead times appear to be steadying this week for four of the five sheet and plate products we track. They are also rising at a slower rate compared to the big gains seen in March. Steel Market Update’s latest check of the market indicates sheet lead times increased by an average of 0.2 weeks from late March, while plate lead times increased 1.2 weeks compared to two weeks prior.

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