January 12, 2026
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, January 12th, 2026, produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.
U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.704MT up .5% from last year. This was on slow U.S. demand and 50% steel tariff protection.
Crude oil WTI price rose to $59.12/b., on concerns over Iranian and Venezuelan supply. U.S. oil companies are not yet ready to invest in Venezuela, as Exxon said it was quote: Uninvestable.
U.S. weekly crude oil production fell from last week to 13.811Mb/d., on the growing global oil surplus and on slight growth in demand with strong production.
The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count fell to 409. Drillers are being conservative because of relatively low prices.
Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite rose to about $340/GT, but it is still settling as bad weather is hurting supply.
Hot-Rolled coil steel price rose to $47/cwt., which is $940/T on moderate demand and higher scrap pricing.
Copper price rose to $5.89/lb., hitting a new high during the week. This was on robust global demand and tightening supply.
Aluminum price rose to $1.43/lb., which is $3,148/MT a multi-year high on good demand, high production costs, and supply problems.
U.S. New Housing starts fell to 1.246M annualized, below the level of the 1950s 75 years ago on high home prices and high mortgage rates.
U.S. December new jobs report. The economy added 50,000 jobs as food and drinking places, as well as health care rose. Retail fell as manufacturing, construction and transportation had little or no change.
U.S. 30-Year mortgage rates fell to 5.99% the lowest in about 3 years. This was as the administration moved to buy mortgage bonds, that lowers rates.
University of Michigan January consumer sentiment rose for the second month to 54. The lower end consumer mood rose as the higher end fell. Concerns remain over higher prices and the softening job market.
U.S. October trade deficit narrowed sharply to $29.4B the smallest since 2009, which is great news. There was a surge in exports of gold as pharmaceutical exports fell.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to 49,504 a record high. This was on the slowing jobs report, lower mortgage rates and optimism on AI and computer chips. There is enormous wealth being built in 401Ks and overall stock portfolios.
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 from Panama.
As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions, and we hope all have a safe and profitable week.