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    Market Data

    January 23, 2025

    SMU Survey: HR, CR and plate lead times up, coated products down

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel mill lead times were mixed across the sheet and plate products SMU tracks, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.

    Following months of stability, we saw extensions this week in hot rolled, cold rolled, and plate lead times compared to early-January levels. Meanwhile, lead times on coated products edged lower and are now at some of the shortest levels seen in months. Despite these movements, current production times remain at or near historical lows for both sheet and plate products.

    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.

    Read more from Brett Linton

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