Market Data
August 4, 2022
Slight Blip in Steel Mill Lead Times
Written by Brett Linton
Steel mill lead times were mixed this week, with some products slightly up and others down, according to SMU’s latest market check. Hot rolled and plate lead times rose compared to what we saw two weeks ago, while cold rolled and coated lead times inched further downward. Is this just a blip or the start of a new trend?
On average this week, lead times declined by 0.2 weeks across the board compared to mid-July and are down an average of 0.3 weeks compared to one month ago. Having gradually declined from the April peak, July lead times generally remain in line with early 2022 levels.
