SMU survey: Lead times remain short, HR and plate at 8-month lows

Steel mill lead times are near some of the shortest levels seen in months, according to our latest market survey. Service centers and manufacturers continue to report short to normal lead times for all sheet and plate products tracked by SMU.

This week we saw reductions in hot rolled and plate lead times, both declining to lows not seen since September/October of last year. Cold rolled production times eased back down to levels seen one month ago. Lead times on galvanized inched up from the beginning of month, while Galvalume held stable.

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.