SMU Survey: Sheet lead times inch higher, plate shrinks

Steel mill lead times extended marginally this week on most sheet products but declined for plate, according to responses from SMU’s latest market survey.

Production times for three of the four sheet products we track extended from our late-October survey by as much as half a week, but they remain within a few days of the multi-year lows witnessed over the summer. Meanwhile, plate lead times declined by over half a week, but remain within the narrow range they have been in for months.

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.