SMU Data and Models
May 3, 2018
Lead Times Continue to be Extended
Written by John Packard
Compared to this time last year, flat rolled lead times are highly extended – on all products. Plate lead times, which is not on our graphic, are also highly extended, but we are treating it differently as the domestic mills are on controlled order entry/allocation with their plate customers.
Hot rolled lead times are averaging more than 5.5 weeks (5.62) based on the responses we received this week from our flat rolled steel market trends survey that was completed on Wednesday. One year ago, HRC lead times were averaging 4.37 weeks.
