Did U-boat sinkings sustain Germany's tonnage target?

How many months in succession did Germany approach its half-million-ton sinking target?

The rough estimate is three months, with the qualification that the target underestimated British stockpiles and economic adaptation.

The estimate offered is that German sinkings approached the target for roughly three consecutive months. The target itself is criticised for failing to account for Britain's stockpiles and ability to reorganise its economy. Meeting a sinking threshold briefly therefore would not establish that Britain could be forced out of the war. A further criticism favours the effectiveness of minelaying submarines over the more celebrated torpedo and gun attacks.