SMU Data and Models
February 7, 2019
Steel Mill Lead Times: Inching Up
Written by Tim Triplett
Mill lead times for spot orders of flat rolled steel have extended slightly in the past few weeks, lending support to those who believe the market is near the bottom.
Lead times for steel delivery are a measure of demand at the mill level. The longer the lead time, the busier the mills. The busier the mills, the less likely they are to negotiate on price. At just over three and a half weeks for hot rolled, just under six weeks for cold rolled, and near six weeks for coated products, average lead times are still short by historical standards, but may be poised to lengthen.
