SMU Survey: Sheet lead times ease further, plate hits one-year high

Steel buyers responding to this week’s SMU market survey report a continued softening in sheet lead times. Meanwhile, plate lead times have moderately extended and are at a one-year high.

Steel mill production times had extended back in early February, when a tariff-driven buying surge prompted many buyers to pull forward future orders. That surge proved to be short-lived on sheet products, with lead times peaking in early March and gradually declining since. As of this week, most sheet lead times are about half a week longer than the lowest levels recorded in the past year, while plate lead times are approximately two weeks longer.

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.