USGS: Aggregate production up in first quarter 2018

An estimated 422 million metric tons of construction aggregate were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the first quarter of 2018, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). That figure is a slight increase from the 417 million metric tons during the same period in 2017.

The five leading states, in descending order of production for consumption, are Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. Their combined total production for consumption was 143 million metric tons, a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2017.

Crushed stone

Additionally, 256 million metric tons of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2018, according to estimates from USGS. That figure is slightly down from the same period in 2017, when 262 million metric tons of crushed stone were produced and shipped.

Production for consumption decreased in 29 of the 44 states for which estimates were made. The five leading states were, in descending order of production for consumption, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Construction sand and gravel

The U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2018, meanwhile, was 165 million metric tons, an increase of 7 percent from the same period in 2017.

Production for consumption increased in 22 of the 44 states for which estimates were made. The five leading states were, in descending order, Texas, California, Arizona, Washington and Florida.

The above estimates are based on information reported to USGS on its quarterly sample survey by construction aggregate producers. Read the entire USGS first-quarter report here.