SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times hold at elevated levels

Steel mill lead times held steady this week on sheet products and marginally eased on plate, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey. Production times continue to hold at or near multi-year highs, territory they have been in for two months.

Lead times for sheet products remain roughly half a week longer than they were at the beginning of the year, similar to the high levels seen in late 2023. Plate production times marginally eased this week following the four-year high set two weeks ago, but remain almost 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.