Aggregates Production Down in Third Quarter

An estimated 707 million metric tons (Mt) of total construction aggregates was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the third quarter of 2020, a decrease of 5% compared with that of the third quarter of 2019, according to Jason Willett, commodity specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 

The estimated production for consumption in the first nine months of 2020 was 1.82 billion metric tons (Gt), a decrease of 3% compared with that of the same period of 2019. 

The estimated production for consumption of construction aggregates in the third quarter of 2020 decreased in seven of the nine geographic divisions compared with that sold or used in the third quarter of 2019. The five leading states were, in descending order of production-for-consumption, Texas, California, Missouri, Ohio and Michigan. Their combined total production for consumption in the first nine months of 2020 was 541 Mt, a slight decrease compared with that of the same period of 2019 and represented 30% of the U.S. total.

An estimated 416 Mt of crushed stone was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the third quarter of 2020, a decrease of 6% compared with that of the third quarter of 2019. The estimated production for consumption in the first nine months of 2020 was 1.10 billion Gt, a decrease of 3% compared with that of the same period of 2019. 

The estimated production for consumption of crushed stone in the third quarter of 2020 decreased in eight of the nine geographic divisions compared with that sold or used in the third quarter of 2019. The five leading states were, in descending order of production for consumption, Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio. Their combined total production for consumption in the first nine months of 2020 was 382 Mt, a slight decrease compared with that of the same period of 2019 and represented 35% of the U.S. total. 

The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the third quarter of 2020 was 290 Mt, a decrease of 4% compared with that of the third quarter of 2019. The estimated production for consumption in the first nine months of 2020 was 719 Mt, a slight decrease compared with that of the same period of 2019. 

The estimated production for consumption of construction sand and gravel in the third quarter of 2020 decreased in five of the nine geographic divisions compared with that sold or used in the third quarter of 2019. The five leading states were, in descending order of production for consumption, California, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan and Arizona. Their combined total production for consumption in the first nine months of 2020 was 266 Mt, a decrease of 3% compared with that of the same period of 2019 and represented 37% of the U.S. total. 

Portland (including blended) cement consumption decreased by 3% in the third quarter of 2020 compared with that of the third quarter of 2019. 

Consumption in the first nine months of 2020 increased slightly compared with that of the same period of 2019. 

The above estimates are based on information reported to the USGS quarterly sample survey of construction aggregates producers in the United States.

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