Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were about 4.6 million mt in February 2009, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was almost 27 percent lower compared with shipments for February 2008. Year-to-date 2009 shipments were 9.0 million mt, down almost 29 percent from the same period in 2008.

Clinker production totaled 4.4 million mt in February 2009, about 18 percent lower compared with 2008. Year-to-date production was nearly 9.0 million mt, down about 23 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Masonry cement shipments of about 155,000 mt in February 2009 were 30 percement lower compared with shipments in February 2008. Year-to-date shipments totaled 299,000 mt, down almost 36 percent.