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    May 28, 2026

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

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel mill lead times are holding at or near multi-year highs on sheet and plate products, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey. Production times began extending late last year, with all products reaching multi-year highs in May. Current lead times are between two to three weeks longer than those seen this time last year.

    • The average production time for hot-rolled coil is just over seven weeks, the highest recorded since October 2021.
    • Cold rolled eased to just over eight weeks, holding near a two-year high.
    • Coated products remain at just over eight weeks, both at some of the highest levels seen in over two years.
    • Plate rose to just under seven and a half weeks, marginally below the four-year high seen in April.

    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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