Service centers are reporting extending lead times for all copper and brass products on the back of strong demand from the automotive and housing sectors, which could encourage some buyers to turn to imports

Lead time for certain light-gauge material are out as long as 18 weeks from 12 weeks previously.

The long lead times could encourage original equipment manufactures (OEMs) and service centers to turn to copper product imports to meet their customer orders.

Excerpts from American Metal Market March 27, 2013