Lead Times Inch Up on HR, CR, Galv

Mill lead times have inched up slightly in the past two weeks following price hikes announced by the major mills earlier this month, according to the latest data from Steel Market Update’s flat roll market questionnaire. One of the key indicators tracked by SMU, lead times reflect the activity at the mills and the order levels they are seeing from their customers. Lengthening lead times would suggest that the mills are getting orders despite their higher price tags.

Hot rolled lead times averaged 4.47 weeks in mid-December, up from 4.21 early in the month, and are at the highest level since June. At around four and a half weeks, lead times on orders of hot rolled steel are about the same as this time last year.