May 26, 2026
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, May 26th, 2026, produced by BENLEE Roll-off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners. Note some of this week’s data is from yesterday, Monday, vs normally being Friday over Friday data.
U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.898MT up 1.0% from last week and up 6.5% year to date. The capacity utilization rate was 78.3%. This was on the 50% steel protection and strong AI data center demand.
Crude oil WTI price fell to $91.04/b at 6:00 PM last night as Middle East news continues to affect prices. When the conflict is over prices are due to stay high for many months.
U.S. weekly crude oil production fell to 13.702Mb/d., but remains high. U.S. crude oil exports remain near a record high. This is great for U.S. jobs and helps reduce the U.S. trade deficit.
The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 425 an about one year high. This was as oil prices are forecast to be higher for longer. That allows a good return on investment for drilling.
Scrap Steel #1 HMS Price Composite, fell slightly to $365/GT on slow growth in U.S. and global demand.
Hot-Roll Coil steel price rose to $57.85/cwt., $1,157/T up 29% year over year. The 50% steel tariff protection provides the ability for U.S. steel mills to raise prices.
Copper price rose to $6.47/lb at 6:00PM last night, but off the $6.65/lb recent high. This was on the news on the Middle East and strong AI and electric vehicle demand
Aluminum price rose to $1.68/lb which is $3,713/mt at 6:00PM last night on news on the Middle East and on good demand.
U.S. May U of M Consumer sentiment index plunged to 44.8 the lowest in the 74 year history of the index. This was on higher gasoline prices and concerns over the standard of living. Independents and Republicans saw a drop as Democrats saw little change.
U.S. 30 year bond yield rose to 5.07% the highest since July 2007, 19 years ago. This was on rising inflation and huge government deficits.
U.S. Weekly continuing jobless claims rose to 1.782M, but remain low. The economy remains in a low hire, low fire mode.
U.S. May NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market index, which is builder confidence. It rose to 37, off the multi month low. Current and future expectations rose, but average prices fell 6%.
May S&P Global U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers’ index. It rose to 55.3 with the strongest manufacturing expansion since May 2022. Output growth was the highest in 4 years and it was the best job creation in a year. This was on AI data center growth and stockpiling amid future stock price concerns.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,054 point to 50,850 a new record high. This was as multiple AI related stocks hit new highs and word of progress on Iran negotiations.
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.