SMU Data and Models
May 23, 2019
Steel Mill Lead Times: HR's Down to 3.6 Weeks
Written by Tim Triplett
Average lead times for spot orders of hot rolled, galvanized and plate steels continue to shorten as mill production, at more than 80 percent capacity, appears to be outpacing demand. Hot rolled lead times are now approaching three and a half weeks, cold rolled less than six weeks, and galvanized and Galvalume slightly above six weeks. Lead times for steel plate have declined to less than five weeks today, according to Steel Market Update data.
Lead times for steel delivery are a measure of demand at the mill level. The shorter the lead time, the lighter the order activity at the mill and the more likely they are to negotiate on price.
