Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report

This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, September 28th, 2026 produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.

U.S. weekly raw steel production fell to 1.875MT down 6.1% from last week, but up 5.5% YTD on 77.9% capacity utilization. This was on the 50% steel tariff protection, good demand and steel mills keeping supplies to tight.

Crude oil WTI price fell to $92.41/b as diesel fuel hit $6.52/gal yesterday, which was off Tuesday’s $6.53/gal record high. Oil flows through the strait of Hormuz continue to increase as there were hopes of returning to an Iranian peace deal which the U.S. has rejected.

U.S. weekly crude oil production fell to 13,792Tb/d but remained high. This was on high prices and good demand.

The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 455 on high prices, good demand 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 $66.10/cwt, $1,322/T up a staggering 64.2% in the past 12 months. This was on the 50% steel tariff protection and tight supply.

Copper price rose to $6.78/lb. near the record high as the largest mine in the world in Chile was shut down. Also, manufacturing activity in the U.S. surged in September.

Aluminum price fell to $1.49/lb., $3,281/mt as rising Chinese exports are helping offset losses from the Middle East.

The U.S. 10 Year treasury note yield rose to 5.165% the highest since 2007. Many loans like 30 year mortgages are linked to the 10 year. Markets are concerned about inflation and lack of progress on the Iranian war.

U.S. September U of M Consumer Sentiment index fell to 48.1, near the about 70 year historic low. High prices, trade disputes and poor business conditions hurt the index.

U.S. August new orders for U.S. Manufactured durable goods were mostly flat vs July at $338.6B. This was as orders for transportation equipment fell as orders for defense aircraft and computer related equipment rose.

U.S. August sales of new family homes jumped 6.4% to 684,000 annualized the highest since the start of 2026. This was on a fairly strong consumer, but interest rates are up in September.

U.S. September S&P Manufacturing purchasing managers’ index jumped to 58 the strongest improvement since May 2022. Production, new orders, employment and inventories all rose.

Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 146 points to 51,829. This was on lower oil prices, but multi decade high interest rates.

BENLEE’s product of the week are Galbreath roll off truck parts for sale. Rollers, sheaves, cylinders, cables, pins and more. BENLEE also sells Pioneer tarp parts, Roll-Rite, Aero, Donovan and more. We stock tarps, cylinders, controls, arms, motors and more. We ship same day if get order before 2:00 PM EST. Call 734-722-8100 or buy at our Online Parts Store.

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