Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report

This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, September 8th, 2026 produced by BENLEE Roll-off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.

U.S. weekly raw steel production fell to 1.818MT down 1.6% from last week but up 5.5% YTD on the 50% steel tariff protection and the slow growth economy.

Crude oil WTI price rose to $91.22/b as the shooting resumed in the Middle East. Also, diesel fuel hit a record high of $5.85/gal.

U.S. weekly crude oil production rose to 13,861Tb/d a new record high. This was on high prices and good demand.

The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 449 on good demand and high oil prices.

Scrap Steel #1 HMS price composite was steady at $348.33/GT on a good balance of supply and demand.

Hot-Roll Coil steel price rose to $61.90/cwt which is $1,238/T up a huge 55% from 12 months ago. This was on the 50% steel tariff protection, good demand and steel mills holding back production.

Copper price rose to $6.67/lb. near the record high on weather related supply disruptions. Also, on tariff concerns that have U.S. inventories at record highs.

Aluminum price rose to $1.49/lb., $3,292/mt on tight supply and declining inventories. Also, on Middle East blocked inventories while China has increased its aluminum exports.

U.S. July trade deficit widened as in got worse to $88.6B the worst in about 1.5 years. Exports declined 2.1% as imports rose 2.8%. High imports are a sign of a good economy as people spend on goods.

U.S. August average hourly earnings. They fell to 3.1% increase vs last year. This is great to lower inflation, but bad for workers. At 3.1% workers are losing buying power due to 3.4% inflation.

U.S. August new jobs report. The economy added 162,000 jobs, much higher than expectations. Food and drinking places rose the most. Manufacturing also rose while information services employment fell.

U.S. August unemployment rate was steady at 4.1% on good hiring on a slow growth economy.

Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 146 points to 53,414 on good earnings, but increased chances of an interest rate increase.

Product of the week is our roll-off truck and roll-off trailer parts operation. Buy Galbreath, Galfab, American, Dragon, Pioneer, Roll-Rite. Donovan, Aero and more. We stock rollers, tarps, sheave, cylinders, cable and ground rollers as well as nose.

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