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

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.