Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were about 5.0 million mt in December 2008, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was almost 20 percent lower compared with shipments for December 2007. Full-year 2008 shipments were 95.6 million mt, down 15 percent from the same period in 2007.

Clinker production totaled 5.2 million mt in December 2008, nearly 31 percent lower compared with 2007. Full-year 2008 production was 79.6 million mt, down 9.0 percent compared to the same period in 2007.

Masonry cement shipments were about 152,000 mt in December 2008 were 31 percent lower compared with shipments in December 2007. Full-year shipments totaled 3.05 million mt, down almost 29 percent.