US mill lead times lengthen for most flat steel products

摘要

US steel mills’ lead times for three of the four major flat steel product categories extended week on week, while plate lead times were mostly unchanged, S&P Global Platts data showed on Aug. 26. Average mill lead times for hot-rolled coil lengthened by 0.2 week to 5.6 weeks. Lower pricing levels from early August disappeared, as mills continued to raise their offers. Spot demand from end-users, notably the automotive industry, grew this week with solidifying prices and market conditions. The market tightened, contributing to the daily Platts TSI HRC index moving up by $21.50 to $482.50/st on Aug. 26 from Aug. 19.