SMU Survey: Mill lead times edge lower

Sheet and plate lead times declined across the board this week, according to buyers responding to the latest SMU market survey. While our lead time ranges were unchanged compared to mid-April levels, average production times for each steel product we measure have declined from they were two weeks ago.

Recall that steel mill production times extended in February as buyers pulled forward orders amid tariff concerns. That surge was short-lived for sheet products, with lead times peaking in early March and contracting thereafter. Sheet production times are now approaching the mid-2024 lows, just days above the shortest levels seen in the past year. Plate lead times have been slower to come down, currently about a week and a half above their past-year low.

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.