SMU Survey: Extended lead times persist on sheet and plate

Steel mill lead times remained extended on both sheet and plate products this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey. Production times have trended upward since last November and now stand at or near multi-year highs for all products.

Most lead times have extended by a week or more over the past three months. Compared to last summer, production times are roughly three to four weeks longer today.

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.