SMU Data and Models
July 21, 2022
Steel Mill Lead Times: HR Dips Below 4 Weeks, Plate Less Than 5
Written by Brett Linton
Steel mill lead times through this week were relatively flat for sheet products and down slightly for plate, according to SMU’s latest market check. On average this week, lead times declined by 0.1 weeks across the board compared to early July and are down an average of 0.4 weeks compared to one month ago. Having gradually declined from the April peak, July lead times remain in line with early 2022 levels.
Buyers surveyed this week reported mill lead times ranging from 3–5 weeks for hot rolled, 4–8 weeks for cold rolled, galvanized and Galvalume, and 3–7 weeks for plate.
