September 15, 2025
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, September 15th, 2025.
U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.795MT up 7.7% from last year and up 1.9% year to date. This was on continued slow U.S. manufacturing and the 50% steel tariff protection which protects the steel industry but raises prices.
WTI crude oil price rose to $62.56/b. on threats by the U.S. to impose sanctions on Russian oil.
U.S. weekly crude oil production rose to 13.495Mb/d. U.S. producers see possible sanctions on Russian oil as a major opportunity. They would bring higher prices, higher production, and higher profits.
The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 416 as producers remain cautious. As discussed the possible Russian oil sanctions are a major opportunity.
Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite remained steady to $311.67/GT on steady global & U.S. demand with good supply.
Hot-Rolled coil steel price rose to $40.35/cwt, $807/T on steady demand and good supply.
Copper price rose to $4.65/lb., on a tight supply and good demand. The coming lower U.S. interest rates will help demand.
Aluminum price rose to $1.22/lb., $2,700/MT on U.S. Aluminum tariffs and Guinea supply disruptions.
The U.S. Federal Budget Deficit reached $2 Trillion through 11 months, which is up, as in worse, by $100B from last year. Spending is up 5% despite publicized spending cuts. Federal debt as a percent of GDP (which is gross domestic product): the economy is increasing despite record tariff revenue and spending cuts.
U.S. September U of M consumer sentiment dropped to 55.4. The declines were mostly from middle and lower income households. They had concerns over business conditions, jobs and the increasing inflation rate.
U.S. August annual inflation rate rose to 2.9% as food and used cars rose the most. Prices are up, but this could be a one timer as tariffs start being passed along. That is bad for consumers, but if a onetime increase, interest rates will come down.
The U.S. average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.35% the lowest in about a year. Last week home purchase applications year over year increased the most in 4 years.
U.S. August NFIB small business optimism index rose to 100.8 the highest since January. The top concerns were tariff related inflation and labor quality.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 433 points to 45,834 hitting a record last Thursday. Some companies are reporting lower profits due to absorbing tariffs. The softening job market brings lower interest rates, which is a major positive.
This report is brought to you by BENLEE Roll-off trailers, Gondola Trailers, Lugger Trucks and Roll-off trailer and Roll-off truck parts.
This is Gregory Brown reporting. As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions, and we hope all have a safe and profitable week.