November 17, 2025
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, November 17th, 2025, produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.
U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.758MT up 1% from last week and up 3.1% YTD. This was on continued slow U.S. demand, despite the 50% steel tariffs.
WTI crude oil rose to $60.01/b., as the IEA the international energy agency is forecasting a 2026 over supply. Sanctions on Russian oil are starting to hurt supply. Global demand is slowing due to a dramatic global increase in Chinese EVs.
U.S. weekly crude oil production rose to 13.862Mb/d. a new all-time record high. The U.S. remains the #1 crude oil producer it the world
The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 417 as Russian oil sanctions will help U.S. oil exports. Great technology continues to lower production costs. Despite lower prices U.S. production remains strong.
U.S. Natural gas futures fell slightly to $4.45/MMBtus, but near a 3 year high. This was on strong electrical demand and export demand. This has U.S. electrical rates jumping which is inflationary.
Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite was steady at $308.33/GT on steady global and U.S. demand.
Hot-Rolled coil steel price rose slightly to $42.75/cwt., $855/T as low demand was keeping a lid on prices despite the 50% steel tariff.
Copper price rose to $5.05/lb., as data center and EV demand is strong. China may target copper to reduce overcapacity.
Aluminum price rose slightly to $1.30/lb., which is $2,861/MT. This was on China lowing production and aluminum production problems in Iceland.
China’s October industrial production grew at 4.9% which was lower than forecast, but still strong. This was partly due to the holiday shut down. Automotive EV production and EV exports are at record levels.
U.S. October NFIB small business optimism index fell to 98.2 a six-month low. There were lower sales and profits as future expectations fell. The lack of quality labor was the #1 issue.
U.S. Q3 Atlanta federal reserve GDP now weekly estimate was steady at a great 4.0%, but economic growth is increasingly unbalanced. Lower tier consumers and business are struggling as higher end are at record highs.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 161 points to 47,148 after hitting new highs during the week. Some believe the AI trade as peaked. Also, the administration cut some tariffs that were causing inflation. Parts of the economy are stressed like housing, while AI is at record levels.
This report is brought to you by BENLEE Roll-off trailers, Roll off trucks, Gondola Trailers, Lugger Trucks, Roll-off trailer parts, Roll-off truck parts and dump truck and trailer parts. This is Greg Brown reporting.
As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions, and we hope all have a safe and profitable week.