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    Market Data

    April 2, 2026

    SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times stabilize at multi-year highs

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel mill lead times stabilized this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey. Production times for sheet and plate products remain at or near multi-year highs.

    Sheet production times are similar to the highs we saw in late 2023. Plate production times are currently the highest recorded since late 2021 (nearly four and a half years). Most lead times are about half a week longer than they were at the start of the year.

    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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