Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report

This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, September 21st, 2026 produced by BENLEE Roll-off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.

U.S. weekly raw steel production rose to 1.90MT up 5.1% from last week and up 5.5% YTD with 82.3% capacity utilization. This was on the 50% steel tariff protection and good AI data center demand.

Crude oil WTI price fell slightly to $99.53/b on good demand and the Strait of Hormuz partly closed. Today diesel fuel hit a record $6.51/gal and gasoline hit $4.48/gal.

U.S. weekly crude oil production fell slightly to 13,944Tb/d remaining near the record high on high prices and good demand.

The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 452 on high oil prices and great productivity per well.

Scrap Steel #1 HMS price composite was steady at $348.33/GT on the 50% steel tariff protection and steady demand.

Hot-Roll Coil steel price rose to $65.00/cwt, $1,300/T on the same 50% steel tariff protection, good demand and tight supply.

Copper price rose to $6.72/lb, near the record high on strong demand from China, AI data centers and renewable energy. Also, on disruption at various mines around the world and postponed U.S. copper tariffs.

Aluminum price rose to $1.50/lb, $3,296/MT on tight supplies including low inventories. Increased Chinese exports are helping supply.

U.S. Federal reserve funds rate increased .25% to 3.75% to 4.0%. The Chairman stated inflation remains elevated. Higher interest rates slows economic growth which slows inflation.

 

China’s August industrial production rose 5.2% vs last year. U.S. AI data center computers and electrical equipment going to the U.S. drove the increase.

U.S. August housing starts fell 2.6% to 1.275M annualized on rising mortgage rates to 7.2% and high home prices.

U.S. August retail sales increased a big 6% vs last year and 1.2% vs July the most in 5 months. Gasoline stations rose the most at 3.1% and non-store retail rose 2.6%. Building materials and garden equipment stores fell.

U.S. weekly initial jobless claims fell to 196,000 the second lowest in 60 years. This was on economic growth and labor shortages partly due to record immigrant arrests and immigration policy.

Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 733 points to 51,683. There was great data reported that in 2025 U.S.  families had record Income & record low poverty. Also, on higher interest rates, higher energy costs and Middle East uncertainty.

Product of the week is the BENLEE Super Mini Long 33’ tandem axle roll-off trailer. A great short and maneuverable heavy hauler roll-off. Note it is available in tandem or triaxle. A 34’ tri-axle version is also available that is 80,000 GVW.

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