April 27, 2026
This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, April 27th, 2026, produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.
U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.848MT up .3% from last week and up 5.8% year to date on 80% capacity utilization. This was on the slow growth economy and 50% steel tariff protection.
Crude oil WTI price rose to $94.40/b as the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. The U.S. is exporting record amounts of crude oil and natural gas.
U.S. weekly crude oil production fell slightly to 13.585Mb/d as producers were concerned that the U.S. administration wants $50/b oil. Record high exports last week could boost production.
The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count fell to 407 on great productivity and the same concern of lower prices. Record high exports could help boost rigs and production.
Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite fell slightly to $368.33/GT on good flows into recycling companies and on steady demand.
Hot-Rolled coil steel price rose slightly to $55.25/cwt. $1,105/T. This was on a slight increase in demand and the 50% steel tariff protection.
Copper price fell to $6.03/lb remaining near the record high. Chinese smelters produced record amounts of copper in March. The Middle East war’s high oil prices are helping electric vehicle demand which helps copper.
Aluminum price rose to $1.63/lb which is $3,603/mt near the 4 year high. Major aluminum refineries in the UAE and Bahrain have been damaged. Remember 9% of the world’s aluminum is being blocked by the closed Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. S&P global U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers index climbed to 54 the best growth since May 2022. Production and new orders growth hit a 4 year high. Longer deliveries helped the index but was caused by the Middle East Strait closed.
U.S. April U of M consumer sentiment survey fell to 49.8 the weakest on record since 1948, 78 years ago. The economy is OK, but people are mad about the high price levels and mad about prices not being down. Also, mad that the Administration stated in 2024 energy prices would be half in 12 months.
U.S. April U of M year ahead inflation expectation accelerated to 4.7% a 7 month high. The 5 year inflation outlook rose to 3.5% highest in 6 months.
U.S. weekly continuing jobless claims increased to 1.821M but remains low. The slow growth economy is bringing a low hire, low fire environment.
U.S. March Retail sales rose a big 1.7% from February on higher gasoline prices but furniture and vehicles also rose. Higher tax rebates helped offset higher gasoline prices.
Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,530 points to 49,447 as the broader index, the S&P 500 hit a record high. This was on the Middle East cease fire, as tech stock rose.
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.