Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were about 6.7 million mt in September 2009, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was nearly 24 percent lower compared with shipments for September 2008. Year-to-date 2009 shipments were 54.5 million mt, down about 27 percent from the same period in 2008.

Clinker production totaled 5.8 million mt in September 2009, nearly 19 percent lower compared with 2008. Year-to-date production was 44.9 million mt, down almost 26 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Masonry cement shipments of nearly 193,000 mt in September 2009 were about 27 percent lower compared with shipments in September 2008. Year-to-date shipments were almost 1.68 million mt, down about 31 percent.