March 30, 2026
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, March 30th, 2026, produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.
U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.781MT up .4% from last week and up 4.9% year to date. This was on the slow growth economy and the 50% steel tariff protection.
Crude oil WTI price rose to $99.64/b., the highest close since July 2022. The national gasoline average price was $3.98/Gal. as of yesterday.
U.S. weekly crude oil production fell slightly to 13.657Mb/d. Drillers remain cautious due to longer term downward price pressure but higher prices for longer will bring increased production.
U.S. weekly crude oil rigs fell to 409 on great productivity per well. Drillers remain cautious but will gear up if prices remain high.
Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite was steady at $388.33/GT with a slight demand increase with good incoming flows.
Hot-Rolled coil steel price fell slightly to $53.05/cwt., $1,061/T on the slow growth U.S. economy and the 50% steel tariff protection.
Copper price rose to $5.46/lb., on the good multiyear demand forecast.
Aluminum price rose to $1.49/lb., $3,275/MT. 9% of global aluminum is being held up in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. February price of imports rose a huge 1.3% for month vs an expected .5%. Energy products rose the most but on an annual basis it was the same 1.3%.
The U.S. 30 year mortgage rate rose to 6.38%. Interest are rising as investors are worried about increased inflation. Rising interest rates and rising inflation on homes hurts sales.
U.S. March U of M consumer sentiment survey was revise down to 53.3, near the 2025 record lows. Middle and upper income people with stock wealth declined the most. They are concerned about the Iranian conflict, higher gas prices, the volatile financial markets, and higher inflation.
U.S. weekly continuing jobless claims fell to 1.819M the lowest in about 2 years. This was in the slow growth economy and with less immigrants in the workforce.
U.S. March manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to 52.4. Production and new orders rose as input and output prices surged. Employment growth slowed to an 8 month low.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 410 points to 45,167 over 10% off the high which is called a correction. This was on escalating Middle East tensions and oil shortages in Asia. The global economy is being hurt by oil shortages and high oil prices.
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.