SMU survey: Lead times remain historically low

Steel mill lead times remain short and relatively flat from two weeks earlier, according to SMU’s latest market survey. Of the sheet and plate products SMU tracks, production times for all materials are nearing historical lows, some at record lows not seen in years.

Survey respondents reported a reduction in lead times for hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and plate steel compared to our previous check on the market in early-July. The last time we saw hot rolled lead times this low was exactly one year ago. We have to look all the way back to late 2022 to find plate and cold rolled production times as short those today.

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.