SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times remain extended

Steel mill lead times remain stretched for both sheet and plate products, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey. Production times began trending higher last November and have touched multi-year highs in recent weeks. This week’s figures are roughly a week longer than those seen at the start of the year.

The average production time for hot-rolled coil inched up to seven weeks, the highest recorded since November 2023.
Cold rolled jumped up to just under eight and a half weeks, levels last seen in December 2023.
Coated products are just over eight weeks, a slight reduction compared to the two-year highs seen in March and April.
Plate held at just over seven weeks, marginally lower than the four-year high set one month ago.

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.