Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were about 5.3 million mt in March 2009, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was almost 28 percent lower compared with shipments for March 2008. Year-to-date 2009 shipments were 14.3 million mt, down almost 28 percent from the same period in 2008.

Clinker production totaled 4.6 million mt in March 2009, about 32 percent lower compared with 2008. Year-to-date production was nearly 13.6 million mt, down about 26 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Masonry cement shipments of about 190,000 mt in March 2009 were 28 percent lower compared with shipments in March 2008. Year-to-date shipments totaled 489,000 mt, down almost 33 percent.