Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were 10.3 million mt in May 2004, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was a 2.6% increase compared with shipments for May 2003. Cumulative shipments through May 2004 totaled about 43.1 million mt, a 9.5% increase compared with those of the same period in 2003.

Clinker production totaled 7.6 million mt in May 2004, a 6.4% increase compared with 2003. Cumulative production through May 2003 totaled 34.2 million mt, an 7.0% increase compared to 2003 figures.

Masonry cement shipments of 450,000 mt in May 2004 were 8.8% more than shipments in March 2003. Cumulative shipments through May 2004 were about 2.0 million mt, a 15.6% increase compared with the same period in 2003.