USGS: Third-quarter aggregate production declines

Aggregate production nationwide was down slightly in the third quarter, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

USGS reports that an estimated 712 million metric tons (Mt) of construction aggregates were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the third quarter. That marks a 3.5 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2022.

Over the first nine months of 2023, total aggregate production reached an estimated 1.86 billion metric tons (Gt) – down 2.5 percent versus the first nine months of 2022, according to USGS.

The top five aggregate-producing states in the third quarter were Texas, California, Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Their combined total production for consumption was 212 Mt, a figure that is unchanged compared to 2022’s third quarter.

Crushed stone

Crushed stone made up the majority of the aggregates produced in the third quarter, with USGS estimating that 437 Mt were produced and shipped. That mark is down 3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2022, according to USGS.

The agency also reports that nationwide crushed stone production totaled an estimated 1.17 Gt through the first nine months of 2023. The mark is essentially unchanged from the same period in 2022, USGS says.

The top five crushed stone-producing states in the third quarter were Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio. Their combined total production for consumption was 146 Mt – a mark that is down 7 percent versus the third quarter of 2022.

Sand and gravel

Third-quarter production of sand and gravel totaled an estimated 275 Mt – a 4 percent decrease compared to a year earlier, according to USGS.

Over the first nine months of the year, sand and gravel production reached an estimated 698 Mt. That mark is down 5 percent compared to the first nine months of 2022, the agency says.

The top five sand and gravel-producing states in the third quarter were California, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan and Arizona. These states combined to produce 106 Mt – a mark that is unchanged from the third quarter of 2022.

Portland cement

USGS also provided the latest consumption statistics on portland cement, noting that consumption was down 3 percent in the third quarter of 2023 compared to a year earlier. Consumption in the first nine months of 2023 was also down slightly compared to the first nine months of 2022.

Featured photo: P&Q Staff

Related: Assessing the mood of the aggregate industry