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    Analysis

    October 29, 2026

    Mill lead times climb to new highs, buyers expect little relief

    Written by David Schollaert

    Lead times for sheet and plate products continued to lengthen amid historically tight supply, according to the latest SMU steel market survey data.

    Average lead times now extend into January 2027, with some mills quoting availability well into February.

    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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