May 23, 2013 – Well, the numbers are in and they are disappointing. The estimated U.S. output of construction aggregates produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2013 was 352 Mt, a decrease of 3 percent compared with that of the same period of 2012.
The estimated annual output produced for consumption in 2012 was 2.00 Gt, flat compared with the reported annual output for 2011. The estimates are based on information reported to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on its quarterly sample survey by construction aggregates producers.
Mark S. Kuhar, editor of Rock Products, has covered the aggregates and construction-materials industries for more than 20 years as a business journalist, associate publisher, blogger and digital-media specialist. He is a former winner of the Construction Writers Association’s Robert F. Boger Award for Editorials. Check back often for his posts, opinions and insights on industry developments, and commentary on topics of interest as he travels around the country. He can be reached at 330-722-4081, or mkuhar@ rockproducts.com.