October 20, 2025
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, October 20th, 2025, produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.
U.S. weekly raw steel production fell to 1.722MT down 1.5% from last week, but up 2.5% year to date. This was on slow U.S. manufacturing economy and 50% steel tariffs.
WTI crude oil price fell to $57.54/b. the price of 20 years ago on oversupply as OPEC works to lower prices to gain back market share. OPEC is the low cost producer so lower prices will hurt U.S. drillers.
U.S. weekly crude oil production rose to 13.636Mb/d. a new record high in American History surpassing December’s record high. This was as great U.S. technology is driving down drilling costs.
The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count was steady at 418 but as said on record production. There are many moving pieces including Venezuela U.S. tensions. Venezuela is #1 on proven oil reserves in the world. 30% more than Saudi Arabia.
Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite fell to $308.33/GT on good supply and moderate demand
Hot-Rolled coil steel price fell to $40.55/cwt., $811/T on moderate demand, but the 50% steel tariff protection.
Copper price rose to $5.00/lb., on hopes of more interest rate cuts. Also, new tariff threats against China are creating uncertainty.
Aluminum price rose to $1.26/lb., $2,775/MT near a 3 year high. This was on tariff uncertainty but good demand, especially data centers.
U.S. September NFIB small business optimism index fell to 98.8 on supply chain disruption and inflation. But earnings remain strong as businesses have been raising prices.
U.S. August producer price inflation slowed to 2.6% vs last year. Food rose 3.5% while energy was down 1.9%.
U.S. August retail sales rose 5% as high end consumers are driving the spending. Internet and clothing stores rose the most. a key retail measure used to calculate GDP jumped .7% for the month.
U.S. weekly initial jobless claims fell to 218,000 as companies are holding onto workers.
Atlanta federal reserve GDP Now Q3 Growth estimate rose to a strong 3.9% while most economists forecast about 2.5%. This was on strong spending and strong investment growth with data centers leading the spending.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 711 points to 46,191. This was as the administration said they are ready to cut a deal with China. Also, on strong corporate earnings, but concerns over a K shaped economy. K shaped means top companies and earners are rising as the bottom is falling.
This report is brought to you by BENLEE Roll-off trailers, Gondola Trailers, Lugger Trucks and Roll-off trailer parts and Roll-off truck 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.