SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times extend to multi-year highs

Steel mill lead times extended this week for both sheet and plate products, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.

Lead Times
Plate
Sheet
shipping
steel mill

Sheet lead times are roughly one week longer than they were three months ago, now at highs last seen in late 2023/early 2024. Plate production times are almost two weeks longer than those of three months ago, currently the highest recorded since April 2022.

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.