Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were about 10.8 million mt in July 2005, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was an 4.6% decrease compared with shipments for July 2004. Cumulative shipments through July 2005 were 69.0 million mt, up 5.0%.

Clinker production totaled 7.6 million mt in July 2005, a 3.9% decrease compared with 2004. Cumulative production through July 2005 was about 49.4 million mt, down slightly.

Masonry cement shipments were 460,000 mt in July 2005, a 2.5% decrease compared with shipments in July 2004. Cumulative shipments through July were about 3.1 million mt, up 4.4%.

JULY 2005