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    Market Data

    May 1, 2025

    SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times flatten out

    Written by Brett Linton

    Sheet and plate lead times held steady this week, according to buyers responding to the latest SMU market survey. This week we saw little change from mid-April levels, with just one product (Galvalume) showing any significant movement.

    Steel mill production times had stretched out back in February when buyers pulled forward orders on tariff worries and mill outages. That surge proved to be short-lived on sheet products, with lead times peaking in early March and shrinking after.

    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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