Data just released by the US Geological Survey shows that total shipments of Portland and blended cement in the US and Puerto Rico fell by three per cent in March 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. Around 5.8Mt of cement was shipped during the month of March with shipments for the year so far up slightly at 15.4Mt.

The leading US cement-producing states for March were Texas, California, Missouri, Florida and Alabama. The leading consuming states of Texas, California, Florida, Louisiana and Arizona accounted for 46 per cent of the month’s shipments.

US clinker production in March was up by around four per cent at 5.6Mt, compared to the same period last year. Clinker production for the year so far was down slightly at 13.7Mt. The leading clinker-producing states were led by Texas, followed by Missouri, California, Florida and Alabama.