Sand and gravel production up in first quarter 2021

Sand and gravel production increased in 27 of the 44 states USGS measured in the first quarter of 2021. Photo: iStock.com/BanksPhotos

The estimated U.S. output of construction aggregate produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2021 was 464 million metric tons (Mt), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The 464 Mt represents a slight increase compared with production from the first quarter of 2020.

Construction aggregate production increased in five of USGS’s nine geographic divisions compared with what sold or was used in the first quarter of 2020. Production increased in 20 of the 41 states that were estimated.

The five leading construction aggregate states were Texas, California, Florida, Missouri and Arizona. Their combined total was 161 Mt and increased by 6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2020.

Crushed stone

In addition, an estimated 286 Mt of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the first quarter. That figure represents a slight decrease compared with production from the first quarter of 2020.

Crushed stone production increased in four of USGS’s nine geographic divisions compared with what sold or was used in the first quarter of 2020. Production also increased in 21 of the 45 states for which estimates were made.

The five leading crushed stone states in the quarter were Texas, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Their combined total was 109 Mt, an increase of 6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2020.

Sand and gravel

The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter this year was 178 Mt, an increase of 6 percent compared with the first quarter of 2020.

Sand and gravel production increased in five of the nine geographic divisions. Production increased in 27 of 44 states, as well.

The five leading states in sand and gravel were California, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Washington. Their combined total was 72.5 Mt and increased by 12 percent when compared with the first quarter of 2020.

About the findings

All of USGS’s estimates are based on information reported to the agency on its quarterly sample survey of construction aggregate producers.