Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report

This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, August 10th, 2026, produced by BENLEE Roll-off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.

U.S. weekly raw steel production rose slightly to 1.87MT up .6% from last week and up 5.8% YTD with 81% capacity utilization. Also, on 50% steel tariff protection and the slow growth economy.

Crude oil WTI price fell to $78.18/b on hopes of a Middle East settlement. Also, China’s continued movement to electric vehicles has reduced their demand which keeps prices down.

U.S. weekly crude oil production rose to 13,894Tb/d on high prices and good demand.

The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 454 on the same high prices and good demand.

Scrap Steel #1 HMS price composite fell to $355/GT on big data center demand, 50% steel tariff protection and the slow growth economy.

Hot-Roll Coil steel price rose to $60/cwt., $1,200/GT on 50% steel tariff protection and the slow growth economy. Also, on tight supply allowing the ability to keep prices high.

Copper Price rose to $6.58/lb., while hitting a new all-time high during the week. This was on supply restrictions from multiple countries and concerns over U.S. possible copper tariffs so warehouses filling up.

Aluminum price rose to $1.48/lb., $3,276/mt on good demand and supply restrictions. 9% of global aluminum production is blocked in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Real Clear Markets/TIPP economic optimism index. It edged down to 45.1 with under 50 being pessimistic. The six-month outlook fell reflecting weaker expectations of the economy. Personal financial outlook rose as the stock market was hitting new highs.

U.S. July average hourly earnings. The rate of increase fell to 3.2%. This is good to keep inflation down, but bad for workers. Inflation is about 3.5%, so 3.2% means people are losing buying power.

U.S. July New Jobs report. The economy LOST 23,000 jobs and May and June were revised lower. Local government and retail jobs fell. The average 12 months new jobs has been a slow 34,000 jobs per month. Good productivity is helping the economy.

U.S. July unemployment rate fell to 4.1% as people left the workforce. Retirements and record 401ks have people stopping work.

U.S. July ISM manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to 55.6 with the strongest factory activity since May 2022. Employment grew on inventory builds to guard against supply disruptions.

Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,552 points to 54,037 hitting a new high during the week. The weak jobs report reduces the odds of an interest rate increase. Great cooperate profits are being fueled by record profit margins and tariff rebates.

Product of the week is the BENLEE Super Mini Roll-off trailer for sale. It is a true roll-off truck replacement. Save $200,000 literally vs a roll-off truck if you have an undersized day cab. The Super mini is more maneuverable and carries more weight legally than a roll-off truck. It is about $90,000 with a tarp system and FET. Call or email us for a quote.

As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions, and we hope all have a safe and profitable week.