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    Analysis

    June 26, 2025

    Sheet lead times pull back after early-June blip, plate holds

    Written by Brett Linton

    Following the uptick seen two weeks ago, lead times eased this week for all four sheet products tracked by SMU, while plate lead times held steady, according to steel buyers responding to this week’s market survey.

    Prior to June, sheet production times had shortened from early April through late May, with most products falling to lows not seen in over two years. Plate times also declined throughout May, hitting a three-month low by month’s end. Although production times extended across the board in early June, sheet lead times remained near some of the shortest levels recorded since late 2023.

    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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