Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were about 6.0 million mt in April 2009, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was almost 32 percent lower compared with shipments for April 2008. Year-to-date 2009 shipments were 20.3 million mt, down almost 29 percent from the same period in 2008.

Clinker production totaled 4.7 million mt in April 2009, about 28.5 percent lower compared with 2008. Year-to-date production was nearly 18.3 million mt, down about 27 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Masonry cement shipments of about 191,000 mt in April 2009 were 37 percent lower compared with shipments in April 2008. Year-to-date shipments totaled 680,000 mt, down almost 34 percent.