USGS: Aggregate production up in second quarter 2021

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that an estimated 694 million metric tons of construction aggregate were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the second quarter this year.

The aggregate production total represents an increase of 7 percent compared with the second quarter of 2020.

Additionally, USGS says aggregate production for consumption increased 5 percent in the first half of 2021 compared with the first half of 2020.

The five leading aggregate-producing states in the second quarter this year were Texas, California, Missouri, Florida and Pennsylvania. According to USGS, their combined total production for consumption in the second quarter was up 5 percent to 200 million metric tons. The total from those five states represents 29 percent of the nation’s second-quarter total.

Crushed stone

Of the 694 million metric tons of construction aggregate produced and shipped in the second quarter, 415 million metric tons were crushed stone. The 415 million metric tons represent a 4 percent increase compared with the second quarter of 2020.

Crushed stone production for consumption in the first half of 2021 increased by 3 percent compared with the first half of 2020, USGS adds.

According to USGS, the five leading crushed stone-producing states were Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio. Their combined second-quarter production for consumption total increased slightly to 138 million metric tons. The output of the five states also represents 33 percent of the U.S.’s crushed stone total.

Sand and gravel

Both crushed stone and sand and gravel production were up in the second quarter of 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey reports. Photo: P&Q Staff

The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the second quarter, meanwhile, was 279 million metric tons – an increase of 11 percent compared with the second quarter of 2020.

Sand and gravel production for consumption in the first six months of the year increased by 9 percent compared with the first half of 2020.

The five leading sand and gravel-producing states were California, Texas, Arizona, Minnesota and Michigan. Their combined total production for consumption in the second quarter increased by 9 percent, USGS says, to 96 million metric tons. The five’s second-quarter output represents 34 percent of the U.S.’s sand and gravel total for the quarter. 

About USGS’s figures

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