Scrap Metal, Recycling, Global Economic and Commodities Report 12/8/25

This is the Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report, December 8th, 2025, produced by BENLEE Roll off trailers to support our customers, suppliers, and partners.

U.S. weekly raw steel production fell to 1.736M tons, down 1.4% from last week and up 3.3% year to date. This was on slow growth U.S. demand.

WTI crude oil price rose to $60.14/b on lack of progress on Ukraine war talks. Also, there could be possible short term supply problem from Venezuela if the U.S. invades.

U.S. weekly crude oil production rose to 13.815Mb/d. near the record high. This was on good U.S. and export demand.

The U.S. weekly crude oil rig count rose to 413. The rig count remains low as great technology brings high production per rig.

Scrap steel #1 HMS price composite rose to about $328/GT but is still settling for December. This was on steady demand, but increased scrap export pricing and demand.

Hot-Rolled coil steel price rose to $45.40/CWT. which is $908/T. on fair demand with higher scrap pricing.

Copper price rose to $5.45/lb., due to ongoing supply disruptions. Also, on good demand expectations on the U.S. expected interest rate cut this week.

Aluminum price rose to $1.32/lb., $2,909/MT on good demand along with supply pressures.

U.S. November ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 48.2 the lowest in 4 months. New orders, deliveries and employment all fell as costs rose, but categories like data centers and computers are booming.

U.S. September new orders for U.S. manufactured goods rose .2% vs down 1.3% increase in August. Transportation equipment rose .4% vs 8% increase in August. Defense aircraft rose 30.9%. The recent Israeli and Ukrainian wars have been great for U.S. defense equipment companies.

U.S. September PCE inflation index, which was delayed due to the shutdown. It rose 2.8% over last year and .3% for the month, which is 3.6% annualized. Food increased .4%, which is 4.8% annualized and energy soared 1.7% for the month, a 20% annualized rate. Data centers are driving electrical rate increases.

U.S. December University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey rose to 53.3 up from November’s record low. People felt better about personal finances, especially younger people. People felt better about jobs, but are still concerned about high prices.

U.S. weekly initial jobless claims fell to 191,000 a multi-year low. Firings are slowing partly due to loss of labor due to deportation. Other data continues to show slow hiring, which is bringing lower interest rates.

Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 239 points to 47,955 remaining near the record high. Rising inflation is believed to be a one-time higher price reset, which is also bad. Higher prices are concerning, but lower interest rate will help the economy.