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    Analysis

    June 11, 2026

    SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times extend further

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel mill lead times extended this week for both sheet and plate products, according to buyers who responded to our latest market survey. Production times have trended higher since last November and are now at multi-year highs. Current levels are two to three weeks longer than those seen last summer.

    Buyers say some mills are beginning to catch up on orders following their spring outages, while others struggle to keep up with demand and are quoting significantly longer production times. Imported material is also said to be becoming more attractive, with some sources saying foreign lead times are comparable to those of certain domestic producers.

    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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