Aggregates, Cement Production Fall in First Quarter

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the estimated U.S. output of construction aggregates produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2024 was 455 million metric tons (Mt), a decrease of 3.9% compared with that of the same period of 2023.

Major companies reported significant decreases in construction aggregates shipments due to poor weather conditions (Martin Marietta Materials, Summit Materials, Inc. and Vulcan Materials Co.), according to Jason Christopher Willett, commodity specialist, National Minerals Information Center.

The five leading states were, in descending order of production-for-consumption, Texas, Florida, California, Missouri and Ohio. Their combined total production-for-consumption was 151 Mt, a slight decrease when compared with that of the same period of 2023.

By specific commodity:

  • An estimated 292 Mt of crushed stone was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of 4.6% compared with that of the same period of 2023.
  • The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2024 was 163 Mt, a decrease of 2.8% compared with that of the same period of 2023.
  • Shipments of portland and blended cement decreased by 2.7% in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the first quarter of 2023. This information was obtained from the USGS monthly survey of U.S. cement producers.

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