Aggregate production nationwide was down slightly in the second quarter of 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports.
According to USGS, roughly 662 million metric tons (Mt) of construction aggregates were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the second quarter.
Additionally, USGS says aggregate production in the first half of the year was down slightly versus the first half of 2022.
The top five aggregate-producing states in the second quarter were Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and Michigan. Their combined total was 199 Mt – a slight decrease versus the second quarter of 2022.
Crushed stone
The majority of the aggregates produced in the second quarter was crushed stone, with USGS estimating that 413 Mt were produced and shipped. The 413 Mt mark is unchanged from the prior-year quarter’s mark, the agency says.
Also, USGS says nationwide crushed stone production was essentially unchanged during the first half of the year.
The top five crushed stone-producing states in the second quarter were Texas, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Their combined total was 142 Mt – a decrease of 3 percent versus the second quarter of 2022.
Sand and gravel
USGS also reported second-quarter sand and gravel production statistics, noting that production was down 4 percent compared with the second quarter of 2022.
About 249 Mt of sand and gravel were produced in the second quarter, the agency says.
Sand and gravel production in the first six months of the year, meanwhile, was down 6 percent compared with the first half of 2022.
The top five sand and gravel-producing states in the second quarter were California, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota and Arizona. The five’s combined total was 89 Mt – a decrease of 3 percent compared with the second quarter of 2022.
USGS makes quarterly estimates on aggregates, crushed stone, and sand and gravel based on information it receives from aggregate producers in a quarterly survey.
Portland cement
USGS also offered its latest consumption statistics on portland cement, noting that consumption decreased slightly in the second quarter of 2023 versus the prior-year quarter. Consumption in the first six months of 2023 also decreased slightly.
Featured photo: P&Q Staff
