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    Analysis

    August 21, 2026

    SMU's Mill Order Index rose again in July

    Written by David Schollaert

    SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) grew further in July, up for a third straight month. The result came as service center on-order volumes and new order entries accelerated, according to our latest service center inventories data.

    The ongoing trend continues to emphasize a growing on-order pipeline, driven by extended lead times as buyers work to secure material. New mill order entries in July were up only marginally (+0.3%) vs. June, but up 20% year on year (y/y).

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

    Read more from David Schollaert

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