US production of construction materials down 18% q/q in 4Q14

According to the latest USGS Mineral Industry Survey, production of construction materials in the US in 4Q14 was around 18% lower than in 3Q14. This figure includes cement, construction sand and gravel, and crushed stone combined. Meanwhile, production of gypsum increased by 3% q/q. In 2014, production of these mineral commodities was approximately 8% higher than in 2013.

Compared to 3Q14, US production of lead and zinc grew by 3% and 7%, respectively, in 4Q14.  Production of aluminium, copper, gold, molybdenum and silver fell by 1%, 9%, 5%, 3% and 7% q/q, respectively. For the majority of these metal commodities, production volumes increased between 6% and 11% y/y in 2014. The exceptions are gold, which decreased by 8% y/y, and aluminium, which remained unchanged.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/10032015/usgs-releases-mineral-commodities-survey-4q14-486/