Official HRC lead times for the week ending 6/10 slipped to 2.7 weeks from 3.5 in the previous week. These levels represent the lowest since the start of the year with some sources even quoting lead times at two or even one week for some orders.

Lead times for HDG also moved down to 5.5 from last week’s level of 5.7 weeks – just above the low for the year of 5.5 reached the week ending 5/20 – CRC rose to 6.0 from 5.6 last week.

Sources: The Steel Index, Steel Business Briefing