Steel Mill Lead Times: Slightly Shorter

Mill lead times for spot orders of flat rolled steel have shortened slightly this month, though not yet enough to signal a definite trend. The current numbers suggest the mills are still maintaining relatively healthy order levels, but a change may be in the works. Lead times for steel delivery are an indicator of demand at the mill level. The shorter the lead time, the less busy the mill, and the more likely they are to negotiate on price.

Comparing the data, the average lead time for spot orders of hot rolled this week was 4.61 weeks, down slightly from 4.80 weeks in early February. Cold rolled was at 6.55 weeks, versus 6.59 weeks two weeks prior. Galvanized was at 6.93 weeks, down slightly from 7.08, while Galvalume was at 7.45 weeks, up slightly from 7.22. The average plate lead time this week was 4.90 weeks, slightly shorter than the 5.00 weeks in the prior survey.