SMU Data and Models
February 21, 2019
Steel Mill Lead Times: Moving Out
Written by Tim Triplett
Mill lead times for spot orders of flat rolled steel continue to inch out as market momentum shifts toward strengthening steel prices.
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 nearly four weeks for hot rolled, just under six weeks for cold rolled, and over six weeks for coated products, average lead times, while still relatively short, appear to be lengthening.
