Steel Mill Lead Times: HR Dips Below 4 Weeks, Plate Less Than 5

Steel mill lead times through this week were relatively flat for sheet products and down slightly for plate, according to SMU’s latest market check. On average this week, lead times declined by 0.1 weeks across the board compared to early July and are down an average of 0.4 weeks compared to one month ago. Having gradually declined from the April peak, July lead times remain in line with early 2022 levels.

Buyers surveyed this week reported mill lead times ranging from 3–5 weeks for hot rolled, 4–8 weeks for cold rolled, galvanized and Galvalume, and 3–7 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.