Steel Mill Lead Times: Still Shortening

Mill lead times for most flat rolled steel products continue to see a slight shortening, according to the latest Steel Market Update data. Lead times for steel delivery are a measure of demand at the mill level. The shorter the lead time, the less busy the mills, and the more likely they are to discount prices.

The average lead time for hot rolled is now less than four weeks, cold rolled is about five and a half weeks and coated steels are around six and a half weeks. Plate lead times are now around four weeks. All are shorter than at this time last year.