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    December 8, 2022

    Steel Mill Lead Times Change Direction, Extend Modestly

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel mill lead times extended across the board this week, with production times increasing for all five products we track. Recall that lead times for hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanized products were previously at or near multi-year lows in our late November market check.

    Lead times are up by an average of 0.5 weeks compared to both two weeks prior and one month ago. Following their peak in April, sheet lead times have been relatively stable since July/August. Plate lead times had gradually moved lower over the past six months, ticking up this week in our last two surveys.

    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.

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